Lancaster City Councillors will be presented with an update report on the latest position on Lancaster Indoor Market when Full Council meets next week.

The indoor market is due to close on 14th September, with many of the traders now having relocated to empty shops in Lancaster.

The Council says this paves the way for continued talks with the owner of the market building, Allied, with the eventual aim of securing a new future for the building that should bring more new life to the city centre.

“The closure of the indoor market is a very sad occasion,” notes Coun Jon Barry, Cabinet member with responsibility for markets. “However, I believe that it is important to look at the many future positives for the city centre.

“Many of the market traders who are relocating will greatly benefit the city centre by giving it an increased number and better mix of independent traders to complement the existing stores, as well as the Assembly Rooms and Charter Market.

“I personally want to wish all of the traders good luck and every success in their new ventures.”

Whether key council staff and councillors (past and present) will again get a roasting for the way they have dealt with this whole matter will only be heard by councillors however.

The update report to Full Council is exempt as it deals with “sensitive commercial issues” — but a public minute will be made available after the meeting.