MARKETS in the borough will remain under Wigan Council ownership after a review involving traders.

The review concluded the majority of traders prefer the markets, such as Leigh’s indoor and outdoor markets, as well as the ones in Atherton, Tyldesley and Hindley, to be run by the council after considering a number of options.

Transferring the ownership of the markets to a private company or another body was also discussed in the review.

Glenn Furnival, Leigh Market traders representative, said: “The Leigh traders are happy to be staying under council management.

“Leigh Market is a popular and thriving market with a great deal of potential to grow its popularity even more.

“We look forward to working with the council to improve and promote the market further.”

The council also plan to implement an agreement under The Deal to enable it to work closely with traders to keep rents affordable and rental income up-to-date, stalls being open for regular hours, maintenance in the market hall buildings and traders supporting the communities.

It has also been confirmed that the markets will remain open.

Karl Battersby, Wigan Council’s director for economy and environment, said: “We are pleased to have concluded the markets review with the outcome being the retention of the borough’s markets under council management.

“This was a useful exercise and captured the strength of support from traders for the markets to remain under council management.

“We are committed to ensuring the markets remain open and viable which is why it is crucial that local people shop local and support their local market.

“We know the markets will continue to face significant challenges from changing consumer habits so we will need to work with traders to be radical in our approach for the future and attract new customers in the years ahead.

“We also aim to form a partnership approach with traders along the principles of The Deal which will see both the council and traders contributing to a successful future.”

A new Armed Forces Hub is set to be opened in Wigan Market Hall next year as part of a project launched in 2015 to support veterans with different services in the borough.

It will include a new base for the Sea Cadets as well.