Welshpool outdoor market will return

An outdoor market will return to Welshpool this year, bringing a massive boost to its trade, it was claimed today.

Welshpool Town Council said it plans to open the street market every Monday, once work on the one-way system in the town has been completed.

Robert Robinson, council clerk, said most other towns, including Newtown and Oswestry, had outdoor markets and it was now Welshpool's chance to thrive by having one.

Mr Robinson said he believed the idea would bring a boost to trade in the town.

He said: "The Monday market approvals have been gained and the market may take its place on Broad Street approximately one month after the one-way system is in place.

Boost

"Hall Street can be available for market stalls subject to consultation with the shops in Hall Street, which has been done. The street market on Mondays can commence when the one-way system is in place.

"It will provide a real boost for Welshpool and we are looking forward to seeing the town when it's in place. The town hasn't had a street market for a number of years, so it will be nice to see it return."

He said he hoped work on the one-way system would be completed by November.

The move is part of a multi-million pound shopping scheme, with major changes to Broad Street and Brook Street.

The scheme will see a retail park built on the former Welshpool livestock market site in Mill Lane, which will provide the town with a Tesco supermarket and almost 4,000 sq ft of non-food stores.

Also included are a petrol filling station and a canalside cafe/restaurant. The scheme will create up to 400 jobs.

"The Tesco store won't be able to re-open until the one-way system in the town has been completed and the superstore is hoping to be open by November," added Mr Robinson.

By Anwen Evans