STREET markets are set to be held on Thursdays and Saturdays while a major regeneration project is ongoing for Accrington.

Councillors have agreed to back casual markets on these two days - based on current trading trends - while the town's market hall is redeveloped.

Borough cabinet members were told up to 14 stalls would be provided each day - at a revenue cost to the authority of £23,275 and a capital bill of £19,836.

This would be from expected income of £14,000 on each day, if all 14 stalls were taken up, for 50 weeks of the year. The hire price will be £20 per stall per day.

Another option for 20 stalls, requiring two members of staff, which would generate income of around £20,000 per day but increased revenue and capital costs, was dismissed by councillors.

Cllr Mohammed Younis, levelling-up cabinet member, told colleagues the 'pre-loved' market on Thursdays and 'flea' market on Sundays were more popular than the Tuesday, Friday and Saturday markets currently and had generated increased footfall.

He also said there had been conversations with business located on Broadway and no concerns had been raised.

The cabinet heard stalls would be erected along the bottom half of Broadway towards the junction with Union Street.

Market stallholder with leases in the hall have been relocated to temporary cabins on the town square or switched to nearby commercial units.

An official added in a report: "A small number have also made their own arrangements to relocate into the town centre.

"In addition, there are a number of casual market traders who trade from outdoor stalls under the pavilions who simply pay per day if and when they wish to trade."

Councillors were told market traders who operated under the pavilions had lighting and power but this would not be available with the temporary stalls and this may affect income.