'The team here have done a fantastic job of rejuvenating the market' - North Shropshire MP visits Market Drayton Market with full praise for bosses

Unfortunately, Market Drayton Market missed out on the accolade with Shrewsbury Market beating off stiff competition to be crowned 'Britain's Favourite' for the third year in a row and a record fourth time. 

But, manager of the North Shropshire town's market, Kate Gittins has vowed that they will be back to compete for the title, and stronger. 

Shropshire Council took direct control of the indoor and outdoor markets in Market Drayton in April last year after it faced criticism from traders.

And, with the takeover came the appointment of Kate who had been at the helm of Shrewsbury's award-winning indoor market for more than 18 years.

Since she has stepped into the role, the market has already seen a huge transformation with increased visitor numbers and traders.

So, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, Helen Morgan popped along to Market Drayton Indoor Market and Market Drayton Artisan Market to see the progress that has been made.

"I have come along to find out about the improvements to Market Drayton Market. I wanted to show my support because the team here have done a fantastic job of rejuvenating the market," she said.

"It was voted one of Britain’s 10 best markets, and it has been great to see Market Drayton so busy on a gloomy Saturday morning in February."

The indoor market is open every Saturday and Wednesday in the town while Market Artisan Market is held on the second Saturday of each month.

Elsewhere, the street market is held on Wednesdays in the town.

Mrs Morgan spoke to traders about life on the stalls and viewed the variety of products on offer.

"It was fantastic for Helen to come and see what we are doing and the improvements that we have made, and we do value her support," said market manager Kate.

"We showed Helen the indoor market, the fact that it is full and busy, and has a lovely feel and vibe. Also the artisan market which we now run on the second Saturday of the month. We have always had a small artisan market, but we have expanded and now have between 25 and 35 stalls which is fantastic and the people of Market Drayton love it and support it.

"The thing with markets is that they bring a vibrancy to the high street and I think that is something that Helen is very keen to encourage and support.

"Considering that it is very cold, there was a fantastic turn out of people for the market and a fantastic turn out of stalls."

And, with the market continuing to grow in popularity due to its on-going improvements, Kate is determined to make Market Drayton the county's best.

She added: "We were thrilled to be shortlisted this year, it was great and gave us so much publicity which is always so valuable. But, it is early days and we intend to apply and enter all of the different categories in the next competition which they will be judging at the end of the year and we will keep on going until we win!"