WIDNES market has come out of an unannounced inspection with flying colours.

Three businesses scored 100 per cent.

Halton MP Derek Twigg will present traders with a customer service award at the market on Friday.

A mystery shopper programme carried out by independent company Storecheckers assessed 88 businesses to check their customer service.

Assessors judged retailers on eight criteria including stall appearance, products and pricing, initial contact, service, sales, staff image, overall impression and market and town centre knowledge.

Catering businesses were examined on additional aspects such as menus, environment, toilets, food and drink.

Jeff Caplan, managing director of Storecheckers, said: “Over a third of the businesses assessed got over 90 per cent with some scoring 100 per cent which is a great result for Widnes Market.”

“Encouragingly this year’s average results are a two per cent increase on last year’s average score of 77 per cent which is a brilliant performance overall.”

In the report, a mystery shopper said: “There was a wide range of products. I thought their knowledge was very good. I would feel confident in accepting their advice.”

Another assessor said: “The service was good and quick with reasonable prices.”

Another inspector added: “The service was impeccable. The stallholder was warm, welcoming and tried her best to help.”

Three businesses D&S Fisheries, The Sewing Centre and Powerplay Music scored 100 per cent and 52 achieved more than 80 per cent.

Halton Cllr Ron Hignett, board member for physical environment said: “This exercise has demonstrated that businesses in Widnes Market provide a bespoke, friendly and personal service to their customers.

“The results show that market traders have great products and local knowledge and listen, care and take time to help customers.

“As more spending takes place online town centre retailers need to provide an experience that goes over and above this.

“Widnes Market certainly achieves this and its traders should be very proud.”

Strong ratings were awarded for many of the categories including stall appearance 97.7%, staff image 95.5%, products and pricing 90%, town centre and market knowledge 88.5% and initial contact 82.2%.

The overall average was 78.5%.