A MANAGER is to be appointed to run Oxford’s Covered Market in a bid to boost its fortunes.

Oxford City Council has begun the search for someone to run the 240-year-old market as part of its action plan for the building.

The manager will work with traders to tackle some of the market’s problems.

Traders have welcomed the idea, saying it could help repair relations with the council.

Sue Norton, owner of CH Brown and Sons saddlers, said: “Relations with the council have been an ongoing problem because there always seems to be a rent review going on, but, having said that, at the last meeting it was more positive.

“If we had the right person, it would be good. The market has to stay traditional but a lot could be done if the market was kept clean and up to scratch.”

Joy Hetherington, of Oxford Aromatics, said: “A market manager is an excellent idea because they can co-ordinate traders and the council.”

City councillor Colin Cook, executive board member for city development, said: “The manager is going to cover all the bases.”

The move was approved by the city board at its meeting on Wednesday night.