KNUTSFORD Town Council is not ignoring concerns of residents over the siting of the Sunday and Christmas markets.

So says town councillor Andrew Malloy following criticism of the council from Richard Cussons, speaking on behalf of town centre residents.

Mr Cussons said: “The council is not listening to the hundred or so people who live in the town centre and are severely affected by the siting of these markets in Princess Street.

“It felt like a punishment last weekend that there were two entire days residents were unable to get their cars out of their parking spaces in Regent Street, Silk Mill Street and Church View, and were even unable to park nearby, such was the traffic chaos over the weekend that the park and ride did nothing to alleviate.

“Booths car park was choc a bloc, and residents are at their wits’ end as the council just doesn’t seem to care. I therefore urge councillors to engage with residents to find a solution to their concerns.”

Cllr Malloy, chairman of the town council's Events Committee said: “The Town Centre Manager and I met with the organiser of the Makers Markets some weeks ago, and requested additional information to be submitted, which will be reviewed by the town centre manager and the Events Committee early in 2019.

“We gained further assurances that the organisation of the market allows for safe access in an emergency and that, as the town clerk has previously stated, the emergency services have also said they are satisfied with access arrangements during the markets.

“We are not ignoring the concerns of town centre residents and are actively seeking assurances over their concerns.”