A DEAL has been agreed, subject to due diligence, for Crewe Town Council to take over the management of the town’s indoor and outdoor markets.

Stallholders have voiced their concern in the past over the fall in trade after figures showed the amount of shoppers had dropped in the town centre and the market hall.

But this week Cllr Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council, and Cllr Simon Yates, leader of Crewe Town Council ,met to thrash out a deal that would see the town council take over the management of both markets. Ed Timpson, MP for Crewe, has also given his backing to the deal.

A spokesman for Crewe Town Council said: “The town council is pleased with the outcome of a meeting between the leader of the council (Cllr Yates) and the leader of Cheshire East (Cllr Jones).

“The council hopes this marks a ‘game changer’ in relations between the two authorities which all parties acknowledge as having been difficult in the past. The meeting saw progress on many fronts including resolution of issues related to allotment ownership and joint input on options for the town centre.

“One highlight in particular was the progress on the markets in Crewe.

“Agreement has been reached on the transfer of the markets to the town council subject to due diligence reports and dialogue with traders and employees who might be affected.

“The town council will consider at its next meeting the commissioning of a study into the current status of the markets and will be seeking recommendations on the best business model to maximise the benefits the markets can bring to Crewe.

“This allows the release of the £100,000 allocated to the markets, which it is hoped will stimulate investment and compliment the work Cheshire East has already started in the town centre.”

Cllr Yates told the Guardian that the agreement with Cllr Jones included the town council having three representatives on the new 'forum' that would shape the future of the town.

"The markets have really had no investment in a long time," he said.

"We expressed a view that the markets should be transfered to the town council. I met with Edward Timpson and he was very supportive of us (the town council) taking over. 

"I agree with Michael Jones that given there is a big opportunity to transform the town center it would be daft to complicate the ownership.

"What we hope to do is to take over both markets under a lease agreement."

Current market traders have been invited to the town council meeting on July 14 to listen to the proposals ahead of the due diligence process.

“The council does not expect immediate change, but strategic control at a local level has worked well elsewhere and it is hoped a unique and vibrant identity for markets in Crewe will emerge over the next few years,” the spokespman added.

“Finally, the council wishes to sincerely thank Cllr Jones for his help in pushing such a positive initiative forward and also to applaud Mr Timpson for his positive contribution and work with traders over recent years.”