Market reopens after 'incredible' refurbishment

Both the Butter Market and Trestle Market in Leek were refurbished under the project

An indoor market has reopened after undergoing a £3.4m refurbishment which aims to secure its future in the centre of a Staffordshire town for years to come.

Traders moved out of Leek Indoor Markets in March as work got under way to transform the site, which includes the Butter Market and Trestle Market.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council said the project was a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to breathe new life into the buildings.

Former Strictly and Emmerdale star, Kelvin Fletcher, who attended the official opening, said the new look was "incredible".

As part of the work, the Victorian character of the Butter Market shop fronts has been restored, with wi-fi and CCTV systems installed.

Changes to the Trestle Market have seen a new entrance as well as the creation of an events space and food and drink outlets.

Traders moved back into the markets as they officially opened on Friday

Mr Fletcher, who now run Fletcher's Family Farm near Wincle, said: "It's been great today - the market looks fantastic.

"This refresh looks incredible, I think the vendors should count themselves very lucky to be in such a wonderful setting here.

"This market is synonymous with Leek town. It's been here for many generations and hopefully with this new refurb, long may it continue."

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, cabinet member for leisure and tourism at the council, said he wanted the area to continue its "long history" of hosting events.

"We've got to remember that this market is part of the whole economic centre of the town," he said.

"We've appointed an independent market management which has a specialty in events management to make sure we continue that tradition."