THE borough council is continuing to work closely with traders in the run-up to the opening of the new market hall next Thursday.

Officers from the council's property unit have been listening closely to traders to make sure the final details of the development meet all of their needs.

Following a tour of the facility, created from the shell of the old Asda building in Ellesmere Port, florist Julie Woodfine raised concerns about heaters positioned over the entrance to the market, close to her unit.

As a result the direction of the heaters will be altered and an air conditioning unit used to control the temperature for the fresh flowers.

Property unit manager Julie Powell said: 'It's very important that we get these details right and we can only do that by working with, and listening to, the traders.

'The new market is going to be a top class facility and a real attraction. We're very excited about it opening and keen to make sure everything is ready in time.'

Julie Woodfine of The Flowerman florists said: 'It was great to see the new building. It really is impressive and I'm sure shoppers will love it.

'The council understood the problem we had with the heaters and we're really pleased that this has now been resolved.'

The official opening of the market is likely to take place within the next few weeks, featuring a host of attractions including entertainers.

The establishment of a new market hall is part of a major redevelopment of Ellesmere Port town centre, which also sees the creation of a new larger Asda superstore.

This will also open on Thursday of next week, at 10am.