A LOCAL council has been challenged to save every market in its borough from the credit crunch.

Liberal Democrats across the Valley are urging the council to put local traders at the top of the priority list on the back of the successful Haslingden Street Fair and Farmer’s Market at Helmshore.

Coun Catherine Pilling said: “Markets within Rossendale are one of our greatest assets and we must do everything we can to preserve the market trader during the present credit crunch.”

The Lib Dems are proposing a weekly street market in Haslingden to support local businesses and bring more custom to the town.

Coun Pilling added: “Let the debate begin and rest assured that the Rossendale Liberal Democrats will be raising this question in the council chamber.”