THE future of a Knutsford monthly market has been secured.

Traders were left hanging in the balance after The Artisan Market Company – the brains behind the award-winning event - announced its dissolution two weeks ago.

Following discussions last week, the artisan market business partners Denise Valente and Vicky Jackson have come to the agreement that Vicky’s company, Niche Ventures Ltd, will take over the running of the market.

The new market, which is yet to be named, will officially launch on April 6.

“Moving forward, it will be my company facilitating and delivering the Knutsford monthly market,” Vicky told the Guardian.

“I am incredibly committed to ensuring a seamless transition for Knutsford and will work hard to improve the event moving forward for the town. I feel incredibly privileged to be providing this event for the town.”

The Artisan Market Company was set up by Denise and Vicky in 2011. After proving popular in other towns in Cheshire, the market landed in Knutsford last year and subsequently became a monthly fixture.

It gained national recognition earlier this year when it finished runner-up in Mary Portas’ High Street Champion of the Year Award in January.

“Be rest assured the event on April 6 will be of the same format as the Artisan,” said Vicky.

“Since launching the Artisan in Knutsford, out of the partnership it was myself who managed the planning and delivery of the Knutsford Artisan.

“The event, like its predecessor, will celebrate the very finest in local food, drink, art, design and craft producers and will be held on the first Sunday of the month.

“It promises to feature old favourites and introduce a number of exciting new additions.”

New additions include two complementary stalls each month to showcase community projects and groups, as well as a complementary stall to promote a Knutsford retail business, which will be run on a rotation basis.

“I am very passionate about putting this on for Knutsford and its community and will strive to make this monthly market the best it can be for Knutsford,” Vicky concluded.

The new monthly market will take place next Sunday on Princess Street from 11am-4pm.

Councillors discussed options in private

TOWN councillors decided to speak about the Artisan Market decision in private when they met on Tuesday, March 18.

After hearing from Vicky Jackson and Denise Valente at the events committee meeting, councillors then decided to discuss the matter without the press and public present.

Adam Keppel-Garner, acting town clerk, later told the Guardian this is due to 'commercial sensitivity'.

Members of the public and the press were then allowed back into the meeting after councillors had discussed their next step.