Only a year after being named Britain’s most coach-friendly shopping destination in the National Coach Tourism Awards organised by trade magazine Coach Monthly, Ashton has been shortlisted in two categories for 2016.

Coach-friendly and coach-friendly shopping destination of the year are open to venues able to demonstrate not only a commitment to welcoming coaches, coach groups, and coach drivers, but which have developed and enhanced their welcome since last year.

Ashton is regularly visited by coach parties from North Wales, Merseyside, Derbyshire, north Lancashire and even Cumbria. Recently there has been an inquiry from a group in Sheffield wishing to come in the spring.

They arrive on a variety of vehicles ranging from mini-buses to 52-seater coaches. Some are organised by large companies, through brochures, while others might be social groups who have organised the trip themselves.

All coaches are greeted by a member of Tameside’s markets team who tells the passengers a little about the place and the town centre, mentioning shops and places to eat. All visitors are given a free goody bag.

Tameside Council’s deputy leader, Cllr John Taylor, who has responsibility for markets, said: “Ashton is a traditional northern market that offers a traditional northern welcome and I’m proud that fact is again being recognised.

“Ashton Market has won several awards in the last year or two and I see these as a tribute to the service and value we offer. I would like to thank traders and staff for their drive and commitment and, most importantly, all the shoppers and visitors for their support.”

In coach-friendly destination of the year, Ashton has been shortlisted with Beverley, Bournemouth, Burnham-on-Sea, Devizes, Liverpool, Londonderry and Perth City. In coach- friendly shopping destination the other finalists are Blackburn Market, Bury Market, Huntley’s Country Stores (Samlesbury), and Oswaldtwistle Mills.

The results will be announced on March 16 at the British Tourism and Travel Show in Birmingham.

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