700 year old market that is still 'vital' to Merseyside town

Earlestown's economy has struggled somewhat in recent years, with the pandemic placing a strain on footfall, among other factors.

However, one part of the town which has continued to flourish is the market, one of the oldest in the country - dating back more than 700 years.

The ECHO went out to speak to some traders on the historic site to get their views on what makes the weekly Friday market so special - and vital.

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Dave Malpas has run his stall on the market for twelve years, selling electronics, phone chargers, cases and accessories.

Dave said: "The market is really important to the town. I think through the pandemic people realised this more, one of the first things allowed to open was the market because it is outdoors.

Dave Malpas has run his stall on Earlestown Market for 12 years (Liverpool Echo)

"A lot of people might have used the market for the first time and then continued because they liked it."

Dave also believes the whole town would suffer if the market were to be closed or downsized, he said: "It brings the footfall to the town, and people will want something to eat, a coffee, a pie, while they're out so they'll make use of the other shops and cafes."

He added: "There has been a bit of a decline but it's like anything in this day and age, you've got the internet so a lot of people won't go out to shop when they can do it from home.

"But there are the regular customers that you get every week and have rapport with."

Mark opened his stall 'Toot Sweet' on Friday February 11 (Liverpool Echo)

Mark opened his stall, Toot Sweet, on the market just this week, and explained why he chose to come to Earlestown.

He told the ECHO: "I came here because I was told about the Friday market and that it's very popular. I'm hoping to stay here for a while and establish myself."

One of the town's longest serving market stalls is Isherwood's, which has been part of the site for more than 60 years. Mark, who runs the stall, said: "The market is very important to the town, it brings people in.

"We used to have a shop just around the corner, and it would really only get busy on market days."

The ECHO spoke to some market traders on why they think Earlestown Market is so important (Liverpool Echo)

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