ELLESMERE Port Market is to get a makeover in a bid to halt its 'general decline'.

The number of traders operating in the town some days is down 20% on last year.

The news was revealed in a report to the borough council's resources committee.

It said: `While marginal improvements can be seen for certain days, the overall picture is one of a market hall in general decline.

`The market has not been maintained as well as it could have been over the years, owing to the prospect of either a complete refurbishment or relocation.

`The latter prospect now seems more certain. However, it is reasonable to assume it will be at least 18 months before the market is relocated.'

The report added: `In the interim, we intend to spend a reasonable sum out of existing budgets to cosmetically improve the appearance of the market hall.

`This is desperately needed to hopefully slow down the overall continuing decline in trader attendance.'

The report says trader attendance on Tuesdays and Fridays is slowly growing, due to an incentive scheme introduced in 2002.

But it added: `On Saturdays a general decline is still apparent, although a marginal improvement has occurred over the past 12 months.'

Monday's flea market continues to fluctuate year on year, although attendance is presently the lowest it has been for five years.

Thursdays are showing `steady growth' but Sunday market attendance is down 20% on last year.

Meanwhile, Neston market has also seen a gradual decline since the last half of 2002, the report adds.