DALTON market is being revived by a group of traders.

A regular market is taking place on Tuesdays in Tudor Square. Now on its fifth week, the market is gaining popularity and eight stalls are currently involved.

Neil McDougall, from the Cumbrian Coffee Co, had the idea to re-start the market to help struggling stall owners during the pandemic.

He said: “As an event caterer myself, I’m aware how hard retail and hospitality businesses have been hit.

“Last year I decided to open my coffee stall in Tudor Square and it’s gone from there. As much as the business side of things, people have been so recently isolated, and this has been a success at bringing people back together.

“We’re only a few weeks in but word has got around and we’ve currently got eight stalls involved with another two interested. Obviously, space is limited in Tudor Square so we think ten stalls will be our maximum.

“We would love more traders to get involved and we are planning to set up a waiting list if we reach maximum to make it fair for stalls who want a place."

Dalton has a historic market charter dating back to 1239. In historic records from the 1670s, Dalton was described as ‘a good market for all kinds of provisions’, with Saturday market and fair on October 12. The market declined from 18th century and was superseded by Ulverston and Barrow.

Mr McDougall said he was pleased with the success of the ‘new’ market so far.

He said: “There’s been a great atmosphere. I think Tudor Square is the perfect place for a market. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for people to meet and relax and we’ve got facilities such as free toilets and car parking.”

The market is on every Tuesday in Tudor Square from 10am- 4pm.

Market stall traders interested in getting involved can apply through Dalton town clerk at townclerk@daltoncouncil.org.uk.