Alsager's weekly market is set to be given a new look – but will still take place, albeit in a new dimension.

Alsager town councillors were faced with the difficult decision of withdrawing proposed financial funding of £17,000 for the market.

They also voted to decorate and light existing trees on the Civic green at Christmas rather than providing a cut Christmas tree.

And work is set to start with Alsager Gardens Association to reduce the cost to the Town Council in the management of the town's four allotment sites. All the measures are to keep precept increases down as low as possible for residents.

As far as the weekly market is concerned, councillors voted not to pay for replacement gazebos and anchor points to the current equipment which is out-of-date.

And the town council is looking at various options, including taking the popular event indoors at nearby Alsager Civic and stall holders trading from their van.  

Chair of Alsager Town Council, Cllr Philip Williams said: "At its meeting on 10th January, Alsager Town Council resolved to cease the provision of market stalls and gazebos on the Wednesday Market but to allow traders the ability to trade from their vans, and to investigate alternatives for those who trade from stalls.

"We do want the market to continue but it was clearly not cost-effective to run it in its current form" - Cllr Phil Williams (above).

"This is to be implemented by 31st March 2023. As a result, the town council has absorbed the management administration within the budget and withdrawn the proposed financial support for replacement gazebos and anchor points. 

"A total capital saving of £17,000 has been made. 

"We do want the market to continue but it was clearly not cost-effective to run it in its current form. The council is talking to traders in order to develop an alternative."

One of the options being considered is bringing the weekly market inside at Alsager Civic

A statement released by Alsager Town Council said: "We have approved the Town Council budget for 2023-24 and have requested a precept from Cheshire East Council of £551,176, an increase of £16.83 per year on a Band D property.

"The Town Council thanks those responding to the public consultation which gave some guidance to its decisions.

"Residents were invited to give feedback on some Town Council services such as the Wednesday market, the public toilets on Crewe Road, the Christmas tree and the support it provides to Alsager Gardens Association for management of the four allotment sites.

"The Town Council acknowledges the importance of a weekly market but voted to reduce costs by withdrawing financial support until an alternative is found.

"The Town Council will not replace the existing gazebos or provide stalls in the car park but trading from vans or from vendors' own stalls may continue.

"This will provide valuable car park spaces on a Wednesday. Further information will be forthcoming shortly.

"There will be no change to the public toilets; they will continue to be available seven days per week, free to use.

"Existing trees on the Civic green will be lit in December 2023 to enhance the area, rather than providing a cut Christmas tree.

"Work will begin to work with the Alsager Gardens Association to reduce the cost to the Town Council in the management of the four allotment sites."