TRADERS have backed plans to enlarge Christchurch's bustling market and say it now has the potential to be the "biggest and best on the South Coast."

In August the borough council won a lengthy campaign to persuade Dorset County Council to agree to make the High Street a traffic free zone on market day, including a ban on buses.

The traffic was the biggest stumbling block in the way of the Monday market's progress, but the ban has increased stall-holders' confidence in its long-term future and paved the way for more stalls.

And tomorrow the borough council's community services committee will meet to decide whether to seek permission to put up new stalls at the southern end of the high street.

Paul Lewis, chief executive of Southern Market Traders Co-Op Ltd, the market's managers, said: "The problems with the buses have knocked us back a year or two, but now there's no reason why Christchurch can't be the best market on the South Coast.

"If we can get permission we can put up different types of stalls selling products, which other traders and shops in town don't, and really help put Christchurch's market on the map."

A report submitted to the committee claims the additional stalls would help improve the market's environment and could generate up to £3,000 a year for the borough council.

Mr Lewis said the Co-operative is introducing canopy-style stalls, open for trading on two or more sides, to improve the market's appearance, as well as working towards increasing the quality and range of goods on offer.

First published: Sept 14