Saturday markets are approved

Wednesday 14th October 2009, 2:20PM BST.

High street traders in a north Shropshire market town are bracing themselves for a fresh wave of competition after councillors backed plans to let markets take place on Saturdays.

The decision means Market Drayton Livestock Market can now host markets, car boot sales, craft fairs, conferences and corporate hospitality events on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.

Town centre traders have branded the move “a kick in the teeth”.

Previously the Adderley Road site had only been allowed to hold such events on Sundays, after securing permission to do so in April 2004.

But in a bid to appease traders, members of Shropshire Council north area regulatory committee chose to grant temporary permission for the Saturday markets.

The permission has been granted for 18 months until March 2011 and the plans were passed unanimously at a meeting in Wem yesterday.

Andy Brown, owner of Sport United in Shropshire Street, said: “The council should be trying to support the traders which are already there. It’s a kick in the teeth.”

Roy Aldcroft, Market Drayton Chamber of Trade chairman, today said he hoped the move would not sound a death knell for the town centre.

View more: Market Drayton news.