A NEW roof is being installed at Widnes Market.

Halton Council is working with Cunard Construction to replace the current roof as part of its capital works programme.

Shoppers are reassured that the stalls will stay open throughout the proposed five-month work programme.

The market hall was constructed in 1995 after the original market, founded in 1875, moved from Alforde Street.

The roof is in need of significant maintenance and refurbishment.

The council has vowed to invest in the future of Widnes Market and to carry out the re-roofing works as part of the Widnes Market Capital Improvement Programme spending.

Halton Cllr Ron Hignett, board member for the physical environment, said: “Widnes Market has a long tradition of serving the local and regional customers and while the works are carried out to improve the market hall, this tradition of quality service and good value will continue.

“The council has already been working to improve the market hall with the recent introduction of low energy lighting.

“The new roof will complete another programme of spending to ensure the market’s energy and running costs are kept as low as possible and to help reduce the council’s carbon footprint.”

Cunard Construction won the £960,000 contract and has erected scaffolding to allow access and preparatory work to begin.