BUSINESSES interested in becoming part of an outdoor market in Knutsford are being invited to contact Knutsford Town Council.

The council is bringing back the market with a two-month trial which is being staged next month and in June.

Following the transfer of market rights to the council in July 2014 it is expanding the market offering in Knutsford with up to 26 traders every Friday and Saturday on Silk Mill Street during the trial.

The market which was inherited by the town council is currently only one trader every Friday.

The town council is looking for people who will be interested in trading at the market on a regular basis or casually during the trial.

“We’ve been collating a list since we took over responsibility for markets in July and have a variety of traders who are interested, selling everything from craft beers, cheese and beef selection packs,” said town clerk Adam Keppel-Garner.

Adam said the market would be designed to complement the market hall and the monthly Makers Market, and its success would be measured by the council’s operations committee, which would decide if it becomes a permanent fixture for the town.

“Traders will be picked which add more variety to our town centre, and it is hoped that we can encourage people to stay in Knutsford rather than travelling to markets in Altrincham or Northwich,” Adam added.

If you are a small business which is interested in trading at the new outdoor market contact the town council at townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk for more information or visit knutsfordmarket.co.uk.

The trial coincides with the national market campaign, Love Your Local Market fortnight, which Knutsford will be celebrating for the first time now that markets are operated by the town council.

Adam added: “As well as bringing in additional footfall into the town centre and market hall, we also hope it will offer start-up businesses in Knutsford a place to trade for the first time.

“Who knows, it might be that the next Richard Branson will start at Knutsford Market.”

The trial outdoor market will be promoted with leaflet drops, posters and banners, and will take place every Friday and Saturday in May and June, starting on May 2.

It will run from 8am to 2pm on Silk Mill Street car park, opposite the market hall.

You can find out more about the outdoor market by visiting its dedicated website - knutsfordmarket.co.uk.