It has been business as usual for Alsager's market after the council took over its running.

Responsibility for the market has switched from operators Town and Country Markets to Cheshire East Council. The move has also seen the council take over Sandbach and Middlewich markets, which will all continue to operate on their regular days, at the same locations.

Stallholders are not expecting to see any changes in the way the market is run day to day.

Trader Stuart Heyward, who owns the pet stall, said: "No it won't change anything. It's business as usual, I can't see it making any difference - we haven't been talking about it at all."

He added: "We have had this in Macclesfield and everything is ok."

The former boroughs of Macclesfield and Crewe and Nantwich markets were already under local authority control and the change is part of the harmonisation process during the local government restructure.
Another market trader said that things would only change if the council decided to reduce the rent, which stallholders believe is unlikely.

A review of all Cheshire East market operations, including rent, will take place over the next year in order to highlight any improvements that could assist traders and residents.

Coun Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East's portfolio holder for prosperity, said: "Cheshire East Council strongly supports retail markets and recognises the valuable contribution that they make to our towns. By resuming the direct running of these three markets we hope to extend this support, with advice and best practice operations available for the benefit of traders."

He added: "I would like to thank all market customers for their continued support and of course traders for their perseverance and hard work. I would urge all Cheshire East residents to keep supporting their local markets."

Alsager Market takes place every Wednesday at the Fairview car park.