Sandbach's Friday indoor market could be in for a shake-up as town councillors look at its future and ways of making the books balance.

Members of Assets and Services committee considered a report about the market at a meeting earlier this month and the findings of the Market Task & Finish Group are set to be presented at a full council meeting next month (October).

Sandbach Mayor, Councillor Sam Corcoran, said the current position highlighted that the Market Hall is a "resource-intensive service", both financially and in terms of officer time.

He said: "The recent increase in trader complaints and management issues, particularly during the absence of the Market Officer, demonstrates the importance of having a clear and sustainable management structure.

"At the same time, the market should not be considered solely in terms of its direct financial return. It remains an important part of Sandbach's identity and contributes to the wider vitality of the town centre.

"The challenge for the Council is therefore to find an operating model which retains the benefits of having a market in Sandbach while ensuring that public funds and staff resources are used effectively.

"The Friday market provides an immediate opportunity to review the current model. The financial information indicates that opening every Friday is not sustainable in its current format.

"A revised approach, potentially combining permanent unit trading with a targeted monthly Focus Friday, could provide a more proportionate balance between maintaining activity and reducing the cost of operation.

"Members are therefore asked to consider the information within this report and the attached Task and Finish actions and agree the preferred direction for the future operation

"Three options were put forward and the Market Task & Finish Group were asked to consider the issues. I believe that the working group will report back to full council in October and I look forward to receiving the fruits of their work."

Meanwhile market traders say footfall on Fridays is lower than other days of the week, with one asking that the market be better advertised.

Steve Rogers from holisitic dog training, behaviour and nutrition business, Finns Journey, said Fridays have never been a busy day for trading. "Our busiest days are Thursdays and Saturdays," he said.

Another stallholder, Julie Kilhams from Adorable Baby Knits, says Thursday trading can vary. "It's swings and roundabouts," she said while Shirley Stirzaker from Made by Angels feels the market should be better advertised.

"I don't feel it's well enough advertised."

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