TRADERS on Leyland's new market have given a big thumbs-up to the town centre site.

The market moved to its new home in Northcote Street, off Hough Lane, at the end of last week after being re-located from Southern Towngate.

South Ribble mayor, councillor Graham Davies, cut the ribbon on the new premises -- the former storage facility for the British Commercial Vehicle Museum -- and unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion on Friday .

The new market is part of a major refurbishment plan for the town which includes the development of a Tesco supermarket on land near to the former market site.

Leyland-based builders Marland Brothers Ltd have been adapting the building for several months and improved the site to include a pedestrian access from Northcote Street and modification to the car park in Ecroyd Street.

There are stalls both inside and out and the site is open threedays a week as well as a new cafe which is open six-days-a-week.

Allan Hartwell, Director of Market Initiatives, who organise the market, said: "All the traders are very happy and have settled in very well. A lot of teamwork has gone into this development and it has been good to have worked so closely with the local council."