MARKET traders are trying to revive the weekly market in Amesbury in a bid to bring more visitors and trade into the town.

Bev Hutchinson and Frank Best, who both live in the town, would like to hold a market in the central car park every Wednesday, and have already put the idea to the town council.

Councillors are positive about the idea and have agreed to discuss it further and talk to the police and Wiltshire Council about it.

Mr Hutchinson and Mr Best are now appealing for feedback from residents and traders in the town to see if the idea is worth going ahead with.

Mr Hutchinson, who currently runs market stalls in Salisbury and Andover, believes reviving the market will benefit the town, especially when planned new coach spaces are installed in the central car park.

“There are a lot of outlying communities who may not want to go to Andover or Salisbury,” he said.

“There is Larkhill, Bulford, Newton Tony, Porton, Allington and Idmiston – all these people close by who used to come to Amesbury for markets and now it is all gone elsewhere.

“I think it will benefit the town. If you walk around Amesbury, it is not the most cosmopolitan of places – if you actually have a market it might bring people actually into the town.”

He said the stalls, which would take up three bays, would sell a variety of things and shouldn’t take any trade away from shops in the town.

Mr Best, who addressed councillors at their last meeting at the beginning of this month, said: “It will bring in income and it will help to regenerate the town centre.”

To have your say contact Mr Hutchinson on 07939 700911.