REGULAR farmers' markets could be held in Great Harwood in a bid to give the town a boost.

Reports on attracting more shoppers to the area by Hyndburn Borough Council officers conclude there is ‘tremendous opportunity’ to promote it as a market town to daytrippers.

However the chairman of Great Harwood Regenration board said their attempts to implement one had so far proved difficult because of similar events happening elsewhere.

Though the town hall square is historically well-known for markets, in recent years these have declined. As well as improvements to Towngate, the council also proposes a revamp of disued buildings in nearby Barnmeadow Lane.

The farmers' market scheme plans to introduce one large event the first year, to host two the following and to create a monthly market by year three. The plan, though drafted by Hyndburn Council will be up to the town’s regeneration board to implement.

Chairman of the board John Duckworth said: “We have tried the farmers markets, but the farmers who take part were often promised elsewhere.

"Sorting diaries has been a nightmare but we are still hoping to make it a possibility. The local market has picked up though and has considerably improved over the past year.

“More people are coming in already and with the arrival of so many new supermarkets, we might be more of an attraction in the near future. It is something we are hoping will be within reach soon.”