BURY'S £5 million revamped market is rapidly shaping up for the new millennium.

After months of disruption, traders are moving into new stalls around the perimeter of its centrepiece, a new fish and meat hall.

Mr John Ayres, markets manager, said: "Everyone is excited about the changes that are taking place here, from traders to customers and even coach tour operators who bring thousands of visitors a year.

"Bury Market is rightly acknowledged as one of the best and once the multi-million pound refurbishment is completed I do not think anyone will be able to touch us."

Other changes to the market include modern lighting and new canopies between stalls to keep customers dry if it rains.

The indoor Market Hall is almost complete with new flooring and upgraded lighting. Floor surfaces right around the market are being improved and youngsters are not being forgotten: the children's ride, a traditional feature of the market, is being refurbished.

Town hall bosses hope to attract more visitors from around the region to the market by setting up special coach bays on Market Street near the athletics track.

Council leader Derek Boden said: "Things are starting to look good and everyone has worked extremely hard to ensure that visitors to the market are kept happy.

"Bury offers a shopping experience which I believe is second to none in the North West. When our market is completed its position and appeal can only be strengthened."

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