AN East Lancashire town's market is set to remain in the town hall after a two-month trial.

Fears had grown over the future of Padiham Market after it was decided that the permanent market off Burnley Road would be turned into a car park.

The decision followed dwindling numbers of traders during the last few years.

Council bosses instead put a market in the town hall ballroom once a week.

And that decision is being praised. The market has been in the town hall since November for a trial that seems set to become a permanent fixture.

Padiham town councillor Bob Clark said: "The new arrangements for the market seem to be going really well.

"It is still very early days but the market seems to be going from strength to strength.

"It would have been a real shame not to have a market altogether in an historic market town.

"The old site had a lot of problems with vandalism and was running itself into the ground.

"The town has also benefited from having more car parking so it seems to be the best move that could be made all round."

Colin Hill, head of markets for Burnley Council, said the market - which takes place on Thursday between 8.30am and 2.30pm - mainly sold bric-a-brac.

He said: "It has been really successful. We have filled the 20 allocated spaces and have had interest from more people.

"People seem keen to come to the market now it's inside and there are toilet facilities and facilities for hot food and drinks.

"The town hall car park has also been given permission to hold events and market stalls on so if there is the demand we can increase the market further.

"The market will be held in the town hall permanently. It seems to be working and is more cost effective then before.

"The old site is now a functioning car park after the site was cleared and the electricity and water were de-commissioned and barriers were put in place."