A former drama teacher, who unexpectedly inherited the market charter of a Cheshire town, has spoken about how she wants to attract more young people to trade at the weekly market.
Jeanette Don took over the running of Frodsham Market earlier this year after she and her sister inherited the rights when their brother died in 2022.
Their late father ran the market in the 1970s and the family have been affiliated with the historic market town ever since.
“A bustling market is not only good for traders but great for the vibrancy of the town, which is a fabulous place with so much character,” Ms Don said.
“I know in the past day-trippers have visited Frodsham by coach and I’d love to see many more visitors arriving by coach and rail.”
She said in future she hopes to bring in music, arts and crafts stalls on some bank holidays – as permitted under the town’s market charter.
She added: “I’d like to see some younger people coming into the market trade and would encourage anyone thinking about it, whatever their age, to get in touch.”
Ms Don also manages Cheadle Market and Conran Street Market in Greater Manchester.
She recently met with Frodsham’s MP Mike Amesbury, who said he would encourage vendors from other parts of his Runcorn and Helsby constituency to consider trading at the market.
The MP said he would also make enquiries with coach and rail companies to see if it was possible for them to help bring more visitors into Frodsham on market days.
Ms Don said: “It was great to meet Mike. I know we both have the same ambition, which is to see this historic street market thriving alongside the traditional brick and mortar shops and eateries.”
Frodsham Market dates back to 1278, according to local history books, and is held on Main Street every Thursday from early morning until about 3pm.
Goods on sale include fruit and veg, cheese, meat, street food, fresh bread, cakes and chocolate, clothes, handbags and rugs.
