A MARKET has welcomed two new businesses to the hall.

Home Essentials household products stall and Making Memories Haberdashery opened in Darwen Market this month.

Home Essentials owner Sue said the stall was as a result of local demand for household products.

She said: “I have been overwhelmed by the friendliness of the welcome to Darwen Market; not just from fellow traders, but from the lovely customers that have been coming to the stall.

“I have had lots of people say that they are impressed with the stall, which is good to hear.

"I know that locally people wanted a household products stall, so I am keen for people to know I’m here”.

Making Memories stall holder Meanie said she had set up the business in her mother’s memory.

She said:“I have been a childminder for over 12 years but have had a passion for making memory bears.

I have had to travel out of Darwen to purchase all the materials that I needed and I decided that I could set something up to meet this demand, not only for myself, but for the other people in the town that were in the same boat.

“I lost my Mum to cancer eight weeks ago and she has been my inspiration. The name of the stall is in memory of my Mum and in the hope that this stall will allow other people to make memories too”.

Cllr Phil Riley said, “I am very pleased to welcome these new stalls to Darwen Market.

"It is clear from the customer feedback that they are meeting the needs of the local community.

"I would encourage people who have not visited Darwen Town Centre for a while to come in, have a look and shop local”.

He went on to say, “Of course, it is an exciting time for Darwen, as work begins on the new Darwen Market Square and the Annex entrance in a few weeks. It’s fantastic that confidence in the town is growing and that new businesses are attracted here”.