WHITCHURCH Friday Market has been featured in a national publication to highlight its success.

Earlier this year the market was moved to the indoor hall from the sports hall, in an effort to boost its popularity.

Shortly afterwards Whitchurch was visited by representatives from the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) who praised the new lease of life the move has given the market.

Town centre manager, Zoë Dean says being featured in the magazine is a big step forward in highlighting the increasing success of the market.

“We were really thrilled to be featured in such a popular publication for market traders with thanks to Cllr Norman Raynes and the representatives from NMTF who visited the market," said Zoë.

"Since the Friday Market changed location to the main hall back in July the footfall of the market has increased dramatically and we have seen lots of new faces through the doors over recent months.

"If the traders are happy, we are happy.”

Meanwhile the mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Bev Duffy said she is happy with the move and the new atmosphere it has cultivated.

"Everyone's very positive. It's cosy and homely, it's got a nice atmosphere," said Cllr Duffy.

"It's a good move and it's good for the town. We had a look what was happening and the market traders agreed that this was what they'd like to do.

"It's more homely, a positive move. Obviously we are encouraging more traders to join as well."

Meanwhile the president of the National Market Traders Federation, Michael Nicholson added that the move was an "interesting development".

"It's our job to support market traders, it's nice to see a developing, improving market," said Michael.

"Whitchurch joins a lot of other people in creating a new market. There's very good footfall, plenty of people are out.

"It's a very interesting development. It gives smaller, independent traders a home, with major supermarkets cutting back on their fresh fruit and veg and deli counters disappearing."