WORK has started on a £167,000 refurbishment of Colne's indoor market.

The project involves improving the appearance of the Market Street hall and its entrances.

A glazed colonnade will be added to the front of the hall, new canopies bearing the trader's name will be fitted on each stall and there will be extra lighting and decoration work.

Pendle Council, which runs the market hall, believes the refurbishment will boost trade and have a knock-on effect by making the town a more attractive place to shop.

More than half the cost of the project has been met by a grant from Pendle Partnership, a consortium of private, public and voluntary groups.

Sharon Livesey, the council's estates officer, said: "The market hall was built in the 1970s and its appearance is tired and dated.

"The refurbishment is part of the council's three-year plan to develop the market hall which is an important and valuable asset to Colne.

"The work should provide a much more vibrant and modern atmosphere and one which we hope shoppers will enjoy.

"The council decided upon the refurbishment following extensive research carried out by Nelson and Colne College and Colne Market Hall panel into what customers and stallholders wanted to see improved."

The colonnade will provide cover for street entertainers and a new glazed exhibition area at the main entrance will be available for use by local organisations.

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