CAMPAIGNERS have won their fight to hold craft markets in Prestwich

Trade group Village Haul was denied Bury Council's permission to hold events in Prestwich Village because Manchester Vintage already had the contract for such fairs.

But Manchester Vintage has not held such events in Prestwich, sparking allegations of unfairness from Village Haul.

Village Haul submitted a 400-signature petition to Bury Council and asked for a rethink.

Now, town hall bosses have changed the rules so Village Haul and similar groups can once again hold events.

A Bury Council spokesman said: "Manchester Vintage will continue to operate the current successful vintage/speciality market in Ramsbottom, although, by agreement, will cease to do so in Prestwich.

"Craft markets will continue in Prestwich, through Village Haul."

Village Haul said the council should have better publicised the contract last time and Prestwich Township Forum chairman, Labour Cllr Jane Black, said the new tender process will be widely advertised.

The council will also choose a new company to run regularly farmers' markets in Prestwich Village after its contract with Bury Artisan Markets ended.

Cllr Black added: "The proposal to tender for a regular farmers/craft market in the Longfield Suite, in tandem with widening the council's programme of community events with Village Haul and others, will ensure that Prestwich has a regular series of high quality market events.

"The lack of events put on by Manchester Vintage to date has been disappointing."

Manchester Vintage manager Charlotte Mitchell said: "There are good reasons why we haven't put events on in Prestwich.

"We had planned to hold one at the Longfield Suite, but stallholders were not content at having to get their stock upstairs without a lift, from a health and safety point of view, and we had to cancel.

"We tried to hold an event at Prestwich Royal British Legion, but the council said it was too far from the town centre.

"Despite these setbacks, we are pleased with the success of our Ramsbottom events and are happy that Village Haul can now hold events in Prestwich."

Prestwich Cllr Tim Pickstone, of the Lib Dems, said: "This is a bit of a u-turn from the council on markets so let's hope they’ve got it right this time."

"Farmers' markets had a great start in Prestwich, but there seems to have been problems in recent years with marketing and the size of market.

"I'm not convinced moving it indoors is the answer, but let's see what a new contractor can do."