Town abuzz as long-awaited weekly market opens

A weekly market has been launched in the hopes of energising a town centre and supporting local businesses.

Weston-super-Mare's market opened last week and is running every Wednesday at the Italian Gardens close to the sea front.

Organiser Michelle Beck told the BBC: "It's a really fantastic square and the reaction from locals has been really positive."

There were 44 stalls at the first Weston Independent Market, with traders selling items from house plants, to cakes, to brightly patterned clothes.

Ms Beck added: "I think Weston has been crying out for a regular market for a very long time and we're hoping that it will attract people from all over Somerset and further afield."

Trader Sean Swords, who runs Your House Plants, at the market's opening

Trader Sean Swords from Your House Plants said he was keen to get involved.

"We wanted to support our town and we know markets are a draw – and Weston-super-Mare needs a draw," he said.

"The location is spot on – it's just the right area for it, the back of the Sovereign [shopping centre], you're just off the sea front. I think it's great."

Michelle Gallier is selling a range of clothing at the new Weston market

Clothes trader Michelle Gallier says that the market suits her perfectly.

"I don't do online – I'd rather be outside meeting people, communicating with people," she said.

"They can come, they can touch, they can try on. It's more sociable and it's more instant – even though you think the internet is instant.

"This is instant because you see it, you like it, you buy it. You know it fits you, you know it looks good on you – job done."

One trader is selling cakes at Weston Independent Market

The market was started as part of Weston-super-Mare Town Council's strategy for 2020 to 2030, which is based on consultations with thousands of locals.

Many residents told the council a permanent weekly market was a top priority.

Weston's mayor, John Crockford-Hawley, was at the official opening.

He said: "We all know that high streets are not what they were, because shopping has changed.

"Markets are a more exciting way of bringing people in – people just enjoy wandering around markets.

"It's a modern version of a medieval concept. I shall certainly make sure I come here each week to do my shopping."