Traders offered free trial spot at market

The market on Westgate, Grantham

Businesses in Grantham are being invited to try market trading as part of a free four week trial by South Kesteven District Council.

Council officials said the project would give traders "a feel for trading on Grantham Market" before deciding whether to sign up for a regular spot.

A spokesperson for the council said they hoped the scheme would bring "fresh energy" to the market.

The authority said the trial would be funded through the government's Future High Streets programme and will run from 5 April, continuing until all of the funding had been spent.

Officials said they hoped the scheme would also boost footfall in the town.

Councillor Paul Stokes said: "Markets play a vital role in our town centres, not only as place for shopping but also as a hub for the local community."

He said the scheme would give new traders the opportunity to experience market trading with no up-front costs and bring a greater variety of goods to Grantham Market.

About 30 traders regularly attend the market, which runs every Saturday from 08:30 GMT until 15:00 on Narrow Westgate, Butcher's Row and Market Place.

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