BUDDING entrepreneurs in Darwen can take advantage of a new offer to open a stall on the town's market one day a week.

In a bid to entice more trade and to bring back the 'buzz' of the old three-day market, bosses have introduced a cost-effective way for potential traders to try out their business.

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Darwen markets manager Gwen Sangster said the cost for traders depended on the size of the stalls but said: "It is inexpensive for someone to open for just a day."

She added: "When the three-day market was first opened most of the traders would do the odd day and it changed on a daily basis.

"We want to add more interest so we are trying to get back to that real market feel.

"We want to get that buzz back that you have when there are different traders on.

"This is a great idea for anyone who is thinking of opening a business to try it out and see how it goes."

A popular seafood stall selling a range of freshly caught shellfish and homemade ready-to-cook convenience dishes has already reopened as part of the scheme.

Sally Halliday, owner of SAM Seafood, will open on Fridays and can be found next to Gilly’s.

She said: "It has been brilliant coming back to Darwen and seeing old customers again.

"They have already come to visit the stall and are pleased to see us back in the market, even if it is only for one day a week."

Other new stalls to open in the three-day market are Pick of the Bunch Bags and Serena and Home.

And with refurbishment work on the market annex now complete, a number of new traders will soon move in, including Percival Pictures, The Apothecary, Perfect Nailz, Beauty Works Cosmetics and the Mother Goose Baby Shop.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The annex has been transformed with new lighting, a replacement floor and a redecoration of the building.

"There are still opportunities for new traders with vacant stalls in the annexe, as well as the three-day market."