TRADERS are concerned over the possible closure of Crewe Market Hall to allow for maintenance work.

The borough council plans to replace the asbestos clad roof on the hall and redecorate the inside of the building next summer.

Renovations are anticipated to take several months to complete and every effort will be made to ensure minimal disruption to traders but there is a possibility that part of, or the entire Market Hall, may have to be closed.

Traders have been invited to meet with council officers to discuss the matter.

Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Steve Hogben said: "The Market was originally built in 1854 and the roof is now coming to the end of its natural life and needs to be replaced. The asbestos is completely safe while undisturbed and we have been monitoring the air quality in the hall regularly. The results show there is no danger at all in its present state."

The Borough Council's spokesperson for the markets, Cllr Maggie Jones said: "Obviously we are talking about people's business and livelihood and a vital part of the commercial life of the town when we discuss any closure. For that reason we are keen to work closely with the traders to come to an acceptable solution."

Albert Blackshaw of Blackshaw's Butchers, based in the Market Hall said: "We received a letter last Thursday telling us about the possibility of the Market Hall being closed for 12 weeks. All the traders feel we should have been told about these plans much earlier and are concerned."

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