BURY'S famous market is bringing in more visitors thanks to its recent £5 million refurbishment.

A MORI poll shows that Bury is bucking the national trend and increasing its popularity, with 250,000 people visiting the market every week.

Councillor John Byrne, council leader, said: "The refurbishment was a major undertaking, but I think everyone agrees it has brought the market into the 21st Century, while still retaining that traditional feel.

"Obviously there are things that can be improved and we will look to tackle those quickly and effectively."

The research showed that 68 per cent of Bury Market traders had been there for more than ten years, and that more people now visit the market than before its refurbishment.

New visitors to Bury Market agreed that it was: pleasant to walk around, clean and tidy (96 per cent); had good protection from the weather (92 per cent); a good market overall (98 per cent); a good meat and fish hall (90 per cent); and an asset to the town (98 per cent).

Mr John Ayres, Bury Markets manager, said: "We have taken on board the findings of the research and have already decided on a series of actions.

"These include more advertising both locally and regionally, including specific work in attracting coaches, wider use of our wide site, and special effort to attract younger shoppers, together with clearer block and stall numbers.

"We will be investigating extra toilet facilities and raising standards of cleanliness whenever possible. We are keen to work with everyone to ensure Bury's world famous market continues to retain its rightful place at the top of market shopping in the North West."