Organisations are invited to bid to take on Kendal's markets.

South Lakeland District Council's cabinet has agreed to move to the next stage towards securing an experienced organisation to manage the indoor and outdoor markets in Kendal after hearing they could be a major asset for the town.

A tender is set to be issued, a report will be brought back to cabinet and it is hoped that a contract will be awarded later in the year.

Councillor Andrew Jarvis, portfolio holder for finance and resources, said Kendal market, for which SLDC holds the charter, was not fully exploiting its potential.

He added: "This is an important opportunity to further improve the centre of Kendal and breathe new life into our historic markets and should be seen as an investment in the long-term future of the markets and Kendal town centre."

Councillors had previously been told that a new operating model and management structure would be better suited for the market.

A report said interested parties agreed it was important that the outdoor market should work with key businesses around the town/market place to give people an experience when visiting the markets.

They all agreed that the indoor market required a new, improved layout with enhanced café area which would encourage customers to spend longer in the market, while upgraded market units and stalls would help to attract new traders.

It was felt that the indoor market could create an exciting space with more made of its features to improve shoppers’ experience.