A DEAL for Crewe Town Council to take over the management of the town’s indoor and outdoor markets was needed in order to bring investment, the council leader has said.

Last week Cllr Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council, and Cllr Simon Yates, leader of Crewe Town Council, met to thrash out a deal.

This came after stallholders voiced concern after figures showed the amount of shoppers had dropped in the town centre and the market hall.

The deal was agreed, subject to due diligence, and will see the town council take over the management of both markets. Ed Timpson, MP for Crewe, has also given his backing to the deal.

Cllr Yates told the Guardian 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 transferred to the town council. I met with Edward Timpson and he was very supportive of us (the town council) taking over.”

The deal comes just two months after Cheshire East announced Crewe town centre could be set for the biggest overhaul in decades after they agreed to purchase the Royal Arcade site for £6 million.

The deal could pave the way for a number of new amenities, including a new larger cinema, restaurants, a hotel, car park and a remodelled bus interchange.

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

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