'EXCITING' plans are in the making to turn Radcliffe Market Hall into a 'thriving and popular' venue.

Radcliffe Market Hall Community Benefit Society (CBS) — a democratic members organisation with a board of directors — officially took over the running of the site six weeks ago.

The team envisions the Blackburn Street market becoming a blend of both the traditional and trendy.

They have been awarded a £14,000 grant from the Bright Ideas Fund to assist with 'propriety' works and setting up the community business.

Commercial director Ricky Davies said: "The stall holders have stood the test of time and seen the difficulties the market has experienced in the past.

"We want to trade in a different way. We are providing a different offer to what is available at large supermarkets, by connecting with local farmers and manufacturers to bring their goods to market. We celebrate local, ethical and sustainable.

"We want to celebrate the glory of Radcliffe, with our street food offer and the successful Friday Food Nights, but there is a lot more to come.

"We are developing gradually, in good consultation with the local people."

In February, Bury Council announced that they had chosen a company to take over the market after talks with eight interested operators.

Impact Management Solutions, who won the tender to manage the market, put out an appeal for local people to help form the CBS. A board of eight directors has been appointed, of which Mr Davies is one.

He said: "We did not take over the market until late June. It gave us time to organise ourselves from a governance point of view. We have recruited a management team, set up as a proper community business and are making links with the local community. We have also won some money to carry out some propriety works in the market.

"It is early days. All these things take time. But we have had lots of interest and we hope to be in full swing by the autumn.

"Watch this space."

Farrar’s Café has extended its trading hours to open on Wednesdays as well as Sundays. A handmade, vintage and makers market has also launched on the first Sunday of each month.

Aaron Bannister, who runs Farrars Cafe at the market, said: "It is a slow process.

"At the moment there is no major difference but the management team has secured funding to move things forward. The cafe is getting busier and busier.

"This market is something Radcliffe is crying out for. We want more of the Manchester trendy scene.

"Hopefully we will become part of a successful takeover of the market and reap the rewards."