Call to traders for new market

Organisers of a controversial new weekly Saturday market set to begin in a north Shropshire town today issued a rallying call to traders ahead of its launch next month.

Market Drayton Livestock Market is to host its first outdoor Saturday market and a car boot sale on March 13 from 10am to 4pm.

It comes after Shropshire Council gave the green light for the weekly market to go ahead at a meeting in October.

Speaking at the time, Andy Brown, 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."

But in a bid to appease town centre shops, members of the Shropshire Council north area regulatory committee chose to grant temporary permission for the Saturday market until March 2011.

Councillors did so in the hope they could review the market's permission to operate if town centre retail is harmed by the move.

The Wellington Market Company, which runs markets in Wellington and Shrewsbury, has announced there will be free entry and plenty of parking.

Ray Gall, director with Town and Country Markets Ltd, the Wellington Market Company's operational arm, said: "The site in Adderley Road offers us space for 250 stalls, plus the car boot sale.

He added: "If anyone is interested in securing a pitch, they can call us on (01952) 242019."