COUNCIL chiefs are to take over the running of the Sunday market at Horwich -- and are setting out their stall to boost custom.

Private property management company, E and H Hyman, has operated the Sunday Horwich Market jointly with the council since September, 1998. But a review concluded that if the council took the market fully under its wing, more money could be invested in it.

The council intends to take over from March 2 and the move has the backing of traders from the Tuesday and Friday markets, some of whom also trade on Sundays.

Cllr Donald Grime, Bolton Council Executive Member for Direct Services which has responsibility for the borough's markets, said: "As a result of the review, we are looking at a number of options for improvements at Horwich Market, including refurbishment and other initiatives to boost it.

"Under current arrangements, the council carries out inspections and also opens and closes the market.

"It seemed sensible to bring the whole operation under the council umbrella so that we are dealing with one rather than two parties."

He added: "The operation of the market will not change and there will still be a council manager on site. We have run a successful Sunday market at Bolton Market on Ashburner Street since 1999, so we have good experiences of this type of market."

With effect from Monday, February 24, traders wanting to book Sunday stalls should contact the council on 01204 336825.

No one from E and H Hyman was available for comment.

He said that although the council was bringing to a close to the joint management arrangement, it had helped the council to develop the market and the council would still look to work with partners on other projects where it would bring benefits."