BURY councillors have selected a new operator for Radcliffe Market. 

At tonight's Cabinet meeting, councillors revealed that after talks with eight interested operators one had been chosen to run the Blackburn Street market. 

However, councillors chose not to disclose to the public which operator had been picked. 

As part of the agreement the council will not receive rent from the operator but instead will receive a share of operating surpluses once costs, including staffing, have been covered. 

In December fears were raised about the future of the market as despite a £1 million refurbishment in November 2015 it continued to decline and stall holders left. 

The Cabinet meeting agenda set out the proposed operating agreement and says: "The overriding objectives of procuring a successful market operator are to create addtional footfall within Radcliffe Town Centre and for the operation of the Market to become budget neutral for the council."

The new operator must hold markets on at least three days each week, run the day to day management, repair and maintain the building and issue licences to stallholders.

The council agenda says: "We are now looking to move away from the traditional market model due to a perceived lack of demand from both the public and stallholders. 

"The council wish to put food and drink and evening entertainment at the heart of the offer at Radcliffe Market and is keen to expand on the number of days the site is open and also to extend its current Friday evening offer." 

The new operator is also required to hold food and drink focused evenings at least once a week. 

Councillors were set to discuss and approve the new operator in more detail during part of the meeting closed to the press and public.

It is not known when the council will reveal the details of the new operator.