THE long running saga surrounding Bromsgrove's Market Hall has finally ended with the start of an ambitious new venture which will see stalls transfer to High Street on three days a week.

The Market Hall in St John Street will close after this Saturday, February 28 and a new-look market will be held in Bromsgrove High Street every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from March 7th.

The popular Wednesday antiques market will however, continue as now in the Market Hall.

As a part of Bromsgrove District Council’s plan to regenerate the town centre, new marquees will replace the old metal-framed stalls to give a bright and welcoming atmosphere to the rejuvenated market, which will restore an 800 year tradition of markets in Bromsgrove.

Trade press advertisements for the new market drew a flood of inquiries not only from the immediate area, but from as far away as Stafford and Manchester.

Several familiar faces from the old Market Hall have retained their pitches; they will now be joined by other new traders keen to be a part of the new venture.

The new market is in addition to Bromsgrove’s popular Farmers’ Market, which for the last 8 years has been held by Bromsgrove District Council in High Street on the second Saturday of every month. Shoppers will now be able to access a range of goods three days a week.

Councillor Roger Hollingworth, leader of Bromsgrove council encouraging everyone to visit High Street on Saturday March 7th said: “We’re not going to let this recession halt our determination to regenerate the town centre. The council has a good track record of running successful High Street events and we’re very confident in this new market.”

Peter Michael, the council's economic development manager added: "We've had a good response from traders and forward bookings are looking healthy."