DESPITE changing consumer trends, a major Cheshire market town is alive and kicking.
Market towns across the country are suffering from a change in spending patterns and an increase in purchases from the internet.
The popular Thursday market in Frodsham has felt the impact of Sunday trading and other factors but it is still successful, attracting shoppers from all over Cheshire and beyond, and is an important part of the historic town.
Street sales have been a feature in Frodsham since 1278 when Edward I granted the rights to hold a weekly market to David, brother of Llewellyn, Prince of Wales.
The rights were renewed in a charter granted by Charles II in 1661, and were eventually sold to Northern Markets, which has managed Frodsham's Thursday market in Main Street for many years.
Richard Williams, who sells men's trousers, has been trading on Frodsham market since 1974.
He said: 'Over the years I have seen a drop in takings as shopping patterns change.
'Sunday trading and their cut-price clothes have affected business but what people don't realise is that markets are still cheaper and better value for money.
'Working on the market there is a good atmosphere.
'People would be upset if they lost the market but we need support.' Mayor of Frodsham Dennis Taylor said: 'The market is very much appreciated by the businesses in the town because they feel it attracts outside visitors to the area. It has always been a feature of Frodsham and I hope it will continue to be so.'
Northern Markets' manager Mike Don believes that, while the number of visitors to their markets has declined, Frodsham market is still doing well because it is held once a week and is still seen as an event.
Frodsham Town Councillor Christine Lloyd said: 'I think the attraction of Frodsham market is that it is a good day out.
'People come from all over to visit the market because there are other things to do. I often see people coming to Castle Park with a picnic on a Thursday.'
