BLACKBURN’S new market has boosted the number of people in the town’s shopping centre, according to figures.

Bosses said big-name retail stores in the Mall were reaping the benefits of the market hall, which opened on June 1 and attracts about 13,000 shoppers a day.

Footfall in the Mall during June was 16per cent up on May’s figures, according to newly-compiled statistics.

Meanwhile, the shopping centre’s footfall last month ran at 32per cent above June 2010’s figure, shortly before the £66million extension was unveiled.

Mall general manager Loraine Jones said: “It has been an exciting month here and it has been fantastic to hear the positive feedback from the public and the traders in the new market.

“The stunning new market has been an instant hit – it has created a real buzz in the town centre.

“There is a great range of products and fresh produce combined with an excellent choice of household names and independent retailers available in the Mall.

“There is something for everyone, all in one place, and the whole process of the development of the Mall and now the market has gone a long way to enhance the public’s perception of the town.”

Bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Council have insisted the new market has been a success, despite some units remaining empty. A spokesman said ‘more than 13,000 people’ were estimated to be visiting on a daily basis.

Of the market’s 126 stalls, 86, or 68 per cent, are now occupied, leaving 40 needing tenants.

However, council chiefs said they were in discussions with 20 traders about moving in.