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Ashton celebrates as new market opens its doors

Sue Carr
21/10/2004

BUSINESS was booming better than ever on Friday at the grand opening of the Phoenix Market Hall.

Crowds flocked to Old Cross Street to see the result of five months of hard work since the indoor market burnt down in May.

And there were no disappointments from the queues of customers or the traders who were over the moon to be back at work.

The celebrations started with a special procession from the town hall led by former market worker Elsie Houlton - the VIP winner of our competition to open the hall.

Ideal New Orleans Parade Band provided the music and after the unveiling of a special plaque, traders got back to what they do best.

Wendy Mitchell, of 'Wendy and Mandy's Cafe' said: "They've done an absolutely brilliant job and it's really good to be back.

"It's just like being back in the old hall. It's been heaving since we opened at nine and we've seen loads of our old customers already."

Sweets stallholder Sandra Gleave, who has worked with husband Barry in the market for 46 years, said: "The council did say they would get it done as quickly as they could but we didn't expect it in under five months.

"The atmosphere is brilliant. We're like one big family anyway and everyone is really pleased with what they've done."

The temporary hall was also a big hit with shoppers including Alison Williams, who brought son, 11-year-old meningitis battler Alex, along as a special guest to join in the fun.

"We used to come here all the time. Alex is mad on the fire brigade and he's followed this all the way since the fire so it was really lovely to be invited," she said.

Councillor Kieran Quinn and Ashton MP David Heyes were also there to celebrate the opening and mingle with the crowds.