Sandbach town councillors have backed proposals to install a PA system into the market hall next month in a move that will cost around £3,500.

The matter was discussed at last Thursday's meeting of the town council, where it was explained that they hope to have the system in place in November in time for the festive period.

Council officer, Mike Wellings, said: "We hope this will be a positive thing for the market traders and for us to show another level of commitment to them, particularly through the Christmas period. We can have some nice Christmas tunes in there and we can also use it for announcements.

"Apart from that, it also increases the marketability of the market hall, we feel in the long term, in terms of it might be something that will be attractive to hire."

The company chosen to install the PA system was Cheshire based Hipswing, who initially provided their quote earlier this year, but the project did not go ahead at the time due to the pandemic among other issues.

The system will include 12 speakers spread throughout the hall and one located at the foyer shops at the front, with a mixing desk in the office.

The full amount approved by councillors was £3,750, which includes the quoted cost, plus a £250 "contingency" should equipment prices go up.

Cllr Gill Merry said: "I absolutely support this. I think anything we can do to enhance the marketability and the ambience of the market or is only to the good. I really do believe that it's something that is necessary and reasonably urgent. So I'm happy to support it."

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Cllr Kathryn Flavell described the PA system as the "icing on the cake" of the market hall refurbishment and described the money needed as a "reasonable cost".

The council agreed to liaise with the market traders with regards to the music played and the volume they would deem most suitable.