Almost 50 indoor stalls at Bury Market have been closed this morning due to RAAC safety concerns. 

In 1971, RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) was used in the construction of the building. 

Today, investigations will be carried out on the roof and building to determine whether any repairs are required. 

Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said the safety of traders and visitors is the top priority. 

Bury Times: Bury Indoor Market

She added: "Bury Market is a national attraction and is rightly called the jewel in Bury’s crown.

“The safety of traders and visitors is our top priority so, as a precaution, we have taken the decision to close the market hall while we carry out further investigatory work.

“These measures only affect the indoor stalls – our large outdoor market, and the fish and meat hall, will remain open for business."

Apologies have also been issued to the 49 traders impacted by the closure and the visitors that this will inconvenience. 

Cllr Morris added: "We are working with the 49 traders affected to find nearby alternative premises for them while this safety work is carried out, and apologise to them – and to all our many visitors – for the inconvenience this will cause.

“Once the site investigations have been carried out, we will be able to announce what remedial work needs to be done, and what the timescale for that will be.

“In the meantime, please show your support for our brilliant market traders and come along and snap up the usual range of bargains in our unique market atmosphere.”

In response to the news, one person said they only received an email at 7pm last night. 

The said: "Another kick in the teeth, can't believe only got email at 7pm tonight, absolutely disgusting.

Bury Times: Bury Indoor Market

"All those market traders who have so much money and time buying stock and making, not just 49 traders it's also 49 families who have been affected.

"What are you going to do about this massive loss of work and money for all these traders?"

Another trader added that they had already baked stock for the next day before receiving the announcement email.

The majority of Bury Market is still open for business say the council  say "despite a partial closure to carry out safety works".

Bury Market dates back to 1440 and has operated from several town centre sites over the centuries. It moved to its current site in the early 1970s after the previous market hall, where Kay Gardens now is, burned down in 1968.

It has won numerous national awards and been voted the nation’s favourite market on two occasions recently.

We will bring you updates on the matter when we know more. 

Follow The Bury Times Facebook as we speak to traders worried about this development