A raft of measures to ensure Oswestry’s markets survive in the future have won the backing of town councillors, after a damning report highlighted weaknesses in how they were run.

The initiatives have been recommended by Oswestry Town Council’s new retail markets and events manager David Clough who pinpointed various weaknesses.

In his report, which was discussed by councillors yesterday, he said inconsistent opening times by traders and a failure to meet basic standards was damaging efforts by Oswestry’s indoor market to attract shoppers.

Mr Clough said there was a “desperate need” for more high quality food stalls at the market.

He suggested various initiatives to improve the markets in Oswestry including threatening to terminate rental agreements if inconsistent openings persisted.

Other recommendations included an incentive scheme to encourage traders to attend on a regular basis, re-evaluating rental charges so there is consistency throughout the market hall and moves to find new businesses to come to the market who preferably aim at a younger audience.

“There needs to be a restoring of discipline in all the markets and for everyone to adopt good business practice,” he said in his report.

Councillor Betty Gull, chairman of the town council’s markets and car parks committee, said Mr Clough’s recommendations on how to improve the markets were unanimously supported by councillors at yesterday’s meeting.