THE future of Burnley’s indoor market will become clearer after councillors consider the findings of an external review, say town hall leaders.

Just last summer the open market was scrapped and traders have been worried about footfall and rents in the indoor market over the last 12 months.

Major plans for the open market, promising 30 permanent stalls, a cookery demonstration area and five craft workshops, advanced three years ago and linked to the ill-fated Oval shopping development, never materialised.

More recently, town hall bosses have introduced a regular arts and crafts market to boost visitor numbers, and are monitoring its success.

And it has now been confirmed that a fresh report on the future of the market, which can trace its history back to 1294, will be considered by the borough’s scrutiny and executive committees next month.

Councillors have been told that staffing numbers have been reduced at the market, in line with current levels of activity.

Mike Cook, the council’s regeneration and economic development director, said: “Earlier this year the council commissioned experts to report on the future of Burnley markets.

“That report has been carefully considered and will be the subject of debate through the council’s scrutiny and executive committees.”

Market traders have taken part in one scrutiny committee debate on the subject and have been invited to give their views again next month.

Mr Cook added: “We recognise this is an important process for the town as a whole. We are determined to deal with any decision on the markets transparently so everyone involved are fully informed at every stage of the process.”