Ellesmere Market Hall will continue to operate for another five years.

Altogether Ellesmere – the company which runs the Market Hall – has signed a new lease which will run to March 2023.

The Market Hall in Scotland Street plays a key part in Ellesmere’s community.

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of Altogether Ellesmere, said: “The market hall is the hub of the town – if there was no market hall, there would be no market.

“It is definitely well used. It holds a youth club, martial arts classes, dog training, the market, craft shows and events such as weddings – and last week’s Christmas Winter Festival activities were held there.

“We have extended the lease to 2023. The 800th anniversary of the market charter is in 2022 and although it is a while off yet, we would like to do something special to mark the date.”

Work will be carried out to the side entrance of the hall aimed to provide shelter.

Mr McMullan said: “Permission has been granted to enclose the area of the side entrance as people waiting to use the hall have to wait outside. Getting closer to winter with the bad weather, two doors would mean people can wait in the first entrance instead of standing outside.

“It’s to make it more comfortable for people – for example, the youth club starts at 6pm but if children arrive early they can wait in the inside area until the hall is ready.”