New market stalls offer more weather protection

The new canopies refer to when the market was first founded in 1221

A Leicestershire town's market has replaced all 69 of its stalls with new heavy-duty versions.

Loughborough Market's new stalls will mean fewer events need to be reduced in size or cancelled due to the weather, Charnwood Borough Council said.

The authority runs the market, which has operated for more than 800 years, and said the new stalls would also allow more specialist markets to be hosted.

The stalls, made from galvanized steel, have been funded through the Living Loughborough project.

Despite being heavier, the stalls are still movable when different layouts are needed or for when they need to be removed for other events, the council said.

Lighting will also be installed on all the stalls later this year, allowing events to take place during the evening.

'Positive feedback'

Jennifer Tillotson, the council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “These new stalls will allow us to expand our events calendar with more specialist markets and events which are enjoyed by many visitors and increase footfall within the town centre.

“Already, new traders have approached us about wanting to come and join Loughborough’s markets as they recognise the quality of the new stalls and our ever-growing reputation for delivering great markets.

“We have received positive feedback from our existing traders and it is a really exciting time to see these new stalls in place.

They look great and further boost the buzz there is in Loughborough when markets take place.”

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