HOPES have been raised that Bolton's re-vamped market will be open for Christmas. Council chiefs are now confident that the multi-million pound refurbishment will finally be ready for the festive rush. Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, chairman of Bolton Council's contract services committee, said: "We are almost there.

"The fish market is now fully open and the fruit and veg section should be open before Christmas.

"There will probably be some finishing touches to put to the work which can be done once it has opened, but it will be all finished by March."

The project to transform the Ashburner Street market has been dogged with problems since it began. The scheme was more than £1 million over budget and 18 months behind schedule.

Cllr Kilcoyne added: "It has been a very long process, but we are nearly there and the result will be a market we can be proud of."

Meanwhile, more details have emerged of the design of the new market.

There will be arched metal "street market" entrance signs at the Blackhorse Street and Moor Lane entrances of the market.

There will be period lampposts and signposts along the length of the market.

In addition, there will be "candy-stripe" blinds across the stalls to create a brighter atmosphere.

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