The authority which runs Congleton's Saturday market has responded to a petition hoping to remove the 749-year-block on a Saturday market in Biddulph.

As we reported last week, a Change.org page has been gaining traction to remove a charter preventing any town within almost a seven mile radius of Congleton from having their own market on a Saturday.

415 people have signed the petition as of publication, causing Cheshire East Council, the custodian of Congleton's weekend market, to respond.

The borough council which serves Congleton and manages their market sent a statement to Congleton Nub News, five days after our request.

A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: "It is correct that Cheshire East Council holds the Charter rights for Congleton Market and that the Charter states that anyone wishing to establish a similar market within a certain distance – in this case six and two-thirds miles – of Congleton must apply to the council for permission to do so.

"Any application to do this will be considered by the council. If the existing terms of the Charter are to be amended, it will require a resolution at full council to change the Charter and an application to the Privy Council to make the change."

Cheshire East's response implies further public pressure may lead to the consideration of the charter being removed.

A petition may be the perfect way to make this happen.

While then have no power over the market, Congleton Town Council have also been approached for comment.

Congleton was granted charter market status in 1272, which means any town within a six and two-third mile radius is prevented from holding a market on a Saturday.

A statement on the Biddulph Town Council website says: "Over the years, Biddulph Town Council has had many discussions about the Charter to ask if we could move our market to a Saturday, but Cheshire East wish to uphold Charter."

But resident Kayla Powell said this meant most people can't attend, as a lot of people work during the week.

She said this is a shame for the traders and for residents, who both want the markets to be a success.

She said: "Most people work Monday to Friday. I've been to the market on a Friday, and it's so quiet which is a massive shame.

"They're all local stallholders as well. That's what's frustrating. They're not stallholders that come from miles away.

"They're people from Biddulph that need support from people in Biddulph – but we can't give that because we're all at work [on a Friday]."

Kayla said events in Biddulph – such as the Christmas light switch on, which is allowed as it's not a market – attract people in droves.

She added: "I used to run a small business in Biddulph, so I understand what those small business owners are going through.

"It's just frustrating because everybody wants it on a Saturday but we can't.

"It just feels like the council [Cheshire East] is stopping it from happening – but it's not our council that is making those decisions."

Kayla believes the market will also bring a much-needed boost to Biddulph's high street.

She said: "Shops are just shutting, and it's just such a shame.

"We don't want to lose our high street, and it feels like this would be a massive thing that could happen which could bring people out of their houses and into the town centre."

Congleton: Do you think it is fair our town has a monopoly on the Saturday market?

You can sign the petition here.

Just like our town, Congleton's market charter will celebrate 750 years in operation, if it lasts until next year.

Congleton Nub News readers are largely on the side of our neighbouring town.

One commenter said: "Cheshire East need to scrap an old rule, why shouldn't Biddulph have their own market?"

Another added: "Wow, no I don't think its fair! I had no idea this was in place and completely agree that the ban should be lifted."

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