A Biddulph woman who launched a petition to fight against a centuries-old law which prevents markets from taking place in the town on a Saturday has explained why residents want the town to be allowed weekend markets.

Neighbouring Congleton was granted charter market status in 1272, which means any town within a 6 2/3 mile radius is prevented from holding a market on a Saturday.

Cheshire East Council runs the market in Congleton, meaning it effectively has a say on affairs across the border in Staffordshire.

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."

As a result, Biddulph's market is held on the first Friday of the month, situated outside the town hall.

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]."

She 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."

Biddulph Nub News reported recently how Kayla's petition had passed 250 signatures.

Since that article was published, it has now reached over 400 signatures.

She said: "It just goes to show that it is something people want, and it just feels like the council 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 the 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."

Cheshire East Council, which is custodian of the Charter in Congleton, has been approached for comment.

If you would like to sign the petition click here.