More than 1,000 coaches visited Bury Market last year

Data from 2023 revealed that 1,119 coaches brought shoppers to the award-winning attraction, up 15 per cent from 2022.

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November was the busiest month with 162 coach arrivals recorded, and November 22 was the busiest day with 26 coaches arriving.

The increase came despite 49 stallholders being given an urgent notice to shut on Thursday, October 26 after the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof.

Last week we reported that of these 27 have been relocated, 10 are waiting for relocation into the Mill Gate, two have declined help and 10 traders have opted to find alternatives and return to the indoor market once it reopens.

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Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said: “It’s no wonder that our famous Bury Market is so popular – word has spread that this is the place to come to for bargains, sheer variety and our unique market atmosphere.

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“Our market dates back to the 1440s and we want to ensure that it remains the place to visit for many more generations to come.

“We are doing this in a number of ways, including through ongoing investment into the existing market, the delivery of a new multi-million-pound flexi-hall and supporting our traders through difficult times.”