A PRIVATE company could be drafted in to take over the day-to-day running of Chorley's markets after the council leader admitted they had lost their 'buzz.'

The shock idea was among 28 recommendations which followed a lengthy inquiry to help safeguard the future of the flagging Flat Iron and covered markets.

If the scheme went ahead, the council would still strategically manage the markets, but a specialist firm would be responsible for investing in and operating them.

Labour leader Jack Wilson said: "We are looking into the possibility of a specialist firm coming in who have the expertise to really improve and put the buzz back into the markets, which it seems we, as a local authority, do not have."

A similar scheme is already in operation at All Seasons Leisure Centre which is still owned by Chorley Borough Council, but successfully run by specialist leisure firm CLS.

All but three of the overview and scrutiny committee's 28 recommendations to regenerate the markets were put on hold following an executive cabinet meeting after it was decided to look into the possibility of private investment and management.

Town Centre Forum chairman Councillor Tony Gee, alongside officers from the council's property services department, will begin the search for interested companies immediately.

Councillor Wilson said: "We'll put it out to tender and the more firms that put in a bid the better."

Also discussed at the meeting was moving the market to Fazackerley and Market Streets. All of the traders polled were against such a move, but councillors suggested asking casual traders to pitch their stalls there to assess the impact of such a move.