The city’s new market hall might feel a little warmer this winter.

Preston Market now has a new porch at the Orchard Street end.

Following a month of work the new entrance, which aims to block the wind that often whips through the glazed market hall, is now complete.

Chair of the Preston Market Traders Association Sam Livesey said: “The porch is hopefully the start of a number of measures ourselves and the council are working on together to make the new market more inviting for everyone.

“Early thoughts are that the porch has reduced rushing winds coming into the market hall.

“We will have to see when the weather is a bit more extreme how it fairs.

“Personally, I am pleased with the look of the porch and although unfinished, no roof as yet, it won’t be detrimental to foot-flow.

“The traders association had a meeting with council representatives on Monday evening and we hope they take our views on board.

“I hope they can understand our points of view and listen to our requests and advice. Its early days still for the market and for us to flourish we need people to know that although not perfect yet the market has a great offering for the people of Preston and further afield.”

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Cabinet member for environment councillor Brian Rollo said: “It’s early days but initial feedback indicates the porch, which is not yet fully complete, is already doing the job it was designed for – creating a much needed windbreak and decreasing air movement through the Market Hall. It will be monitored over the coming weeks and months to determine the extent of its success.

“We’d like to thank traders and customers for their patience and understanding during the works. The porch will be completed in January, with works temporarily halted for the busy Christmas period.”

The market opened in February 2016 but faced criticism from traders and shoppers with sub-zero temperatures recorded inside during the ‘Beast from the East’.

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What do you think of the new markets? Will you be shopping there in the run up to Christmas? Let us know in the comments below