Natalie uses eBay to start a quiet ‘Revolution’ on Darwen Market

Despite the tough economic times, business is booming at Darwen Market with four new traders recently taking up pitches.

One of those, Natalie Cooper, recently opened her stall, Revolution Clothing, after finding it in the most unlikely of places.

Says Natalie: “I was looking through eBay and saw it was up for sale. I’ve always had businesses but took some time out recently to have a baby. I was looking to get back into it though and seeing what was available.”

Natalie placed a bid and was delighted when she found out she’d won the auction.

Natalie adds: “It’s a fairly unusual way of buying a business but I came to have a look round the market and saw how busy it was. It’s not too far from where I live and is in a perfect location.

“After I bought the stall we ripped everything out and totally re-stocked it. It was a menswear stall before but we got an addition to the licence so we could do ladies wear as well.”



Revolution Clothing now sells everything from designer wear and casual clothes to going out gear and underwear.

Adds Natalie: “You meet a good variety of people from all walks of life at Darwen Market and everyone’s very friendly. I’m really happy here.”

Darwen market boasts over 90 stalls under cover, offering an amazing variety of produce and specialist items. Parking is also free.

Visitors can expect to receive a warm and friendly welcome and an attentive and uniquely personal service from the stall holders, many of whom have long standing associations at the market; sometimes stretching back through generations.

Have your say on future development

How much new housing should be built in Blackburn with Darwen and where should new homes be developed?

Where should new jobs, industry and shops be located? How much development should we allow in the countryside?

These are all questions which need answering as part of the consultation on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s core strategy.

The core strategy is a planning document which sets out future planning policies for the borough and highlights where/how much development will take place.

The consultation is running until Monday, December 21 and then all comments will be forwarded to the Secretary of State.

A display is being held at Blackburn and Darwen Markets where residents can view the plans.

Copies can also be found at Blackburn Town Hall, Blackburn Library, Darwen Town Hall, Darwen Library, Mill Hill Library, Livesey Library, Roman Road Library and Barlow Institute.

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “It is important that residents have their say on how they want the future shape of the borough and this includes everything from housing to shops to business parks to green spaces.”

Alternatively, you can also view the document on our website www.blackburn.gov.uk