A bakery stall that has been a feature of Leigh market for years has seen business "slowly improving" after recent difficulties.

A long-standing figure of Leigh market, Bakers Dozen has seen the number of town centre shoppers decline over the years, with businesses particularly impacted after the market was closed at the start of the pandemic.

It has been a difficult few years for traders, especially with the pandemic and cost of living crisis, but as Leigh has a strong market tradition, businesses are seeing signs of improvement in the town centre.

The Bolton News: The bakery stall has been a popular spot over the yearsThe bakery stall has been a popular spot over the years (Image: Bakers Dozen)
Angela Driver, a staff member of Baker's Dozen for the past 18 years, said: "There is a lot less footfall in the market than there used to be, and it isn't the same since covid started.

"But we still have our regulars coming in and people often come in from Wigan and Bolton because they love the market, so I think we are slowly getting back to how it used to be."

While the pandemic and rising bills has been particularly difficult for Bakers Dozen, Angela said that people often return to the friendly stall for their "best quality products".

Predominantly using local bakers and produce, the stall offers a tasty and fresh selection of pies, pastries, bread, and cakes.

The Bolton News: The stall is well known for its fresh and tasty productsThe stall is well known for its fresh and tasty products (Image: Bakers Dozen)
As people have a strong connection to the market in Leigh, there are hopes that future investment will be secured to update and modernise the space, while retaining its traditional focus. 

Angela agreed that this should help to secure the survival of the market, but suggested that market toilets and increased access to free parking are essential things that could improve the market and footfall.

Bakers Dozen opens in Leigh Market from 8:30am to 5pm on Monday to Saturday.