Work reveals more of Keighley’s past

But builders are instead looking to the future as they provide extra space for fledgling traders.

Contractors are constructing a glass-covered canopy over the market square in Low Street.

The glass-walled area, with an outdoors veranda, will provide about six extra stalls.

The hope is the stalls will kick-start successful businesses for many local entrepreneurs.

Construction work was delayed this month after builders discovered the cellars of old shops and houses. The workmen are having to lay extra foundations in the holes before beginning work on the canopy.

The Low Street entrance to the market has been closed until next Wednesday to allow building work to continue safely.

The buildings on the site were demolished before the covered market was built in 1971.

The market replaced an outdoors market that lay on land currently occupied by the market car park, next to Church Green.

John Sunter, the site manager, said cellars appeared to have been filled with rubble from the original buildings’ walls.

He said several townspeople had suggested exactly what the buildings were but their stories differed.

The canopy is part of ongoing improvements to the market that have already cost more than £1 million.

The canopy will have a glass dome and glass wall panels which can be pulled back in warm weather.

There will also be a new café, with tables and seats on an outdoor veranda.

Adrian Naylor, the district councillor responsible for regeneration, said the new stalls were much-needed.

He said: “They will build on the current success.

“The market already has 100 per cent occupancy and a waiting list.

“Test traders will be able to have the six new stalls for a limited time, then take up permanent stalls.” Cllr Naylor said the 40 existing market stalls were doing very well despite the recession.

He said: “They haven’t seen a reduction in takings but people are being more frugal, such as buying cheaper cuts of meat.

“That must mean more people are shopping there.”