Food court plan for market hall scrapped

Plans for a food court at Accrington Market Hall have been scrapped.

Hyndburn Council's new Labour leadership has also ruled out a soft play centre at the Grade II-listed building.

The proposals had been part of an £11m plan by the previous Conservative administration, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

But Labour said it would focus entirely on retail, having listened to feedback from residents.

"This means no more food courts or soft play areas. Our residents have spoken and we have listened," said council leader Munsif Dad.

Food courts have become a popular staple of regenerated markets around the north-west of England, with the revamp of Altrincham and Chester markets focusing heavily on food and drink outlets.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Dad said: "The Market Hall will be on the same footprint with some food offerings like previously but firmly focused on the traditional market hall offering as residents have requested - but a departure from the previous concept of a food court offering under the previous administration.”

Also speaking after the meeting, Conservative group leader Zak Khan described the Labour move as a "trick of words".

He said Mr Dad had to go back on his comments after "council staff quietly reminded him that food was still on the menu in the Market Hall".

Mr Khan said Labour's first cabinet meeting had done little other than announce continued investment in plans set in motion by the Conservatives, including commissioning an urgent report into the future of Oswaldtwistle Civic Hall.

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