A LOCAL authority is to take over the responsibility for three town markets.

Cheshire East Council will operate retail markets in Sandbach and Alsager from July 1. It will take over from existing operator Town and Country Markets Ltd.

All three markets will continue to run on their regular days and at the same locations.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, portfolio holder for prosperity, said: "Cheshire East Council strongly supports retail markets and recognises the valuable contribution that they make to our towns."