A CONTROVERSIAL revamp of The Shambles Market Hall in Devizes will be officially opened tomorrow but one of the main objectors to the scheme says the jury is still out on its success.

Wiltshire Council has created 11 lock-up units at one of the the indoor market but four double units are still not let.

Devizes town councillor Albert Wooldridge spoke out against the plan as he feared a number of traders would be forced to give up their units as they would not want to have to open five days a week.

He said: "We need to give it two or three months to see how it pans out. I still think there could be issues.

"A number of times when I have been in there not many of the units have been open even though they are supposed to trade five days a week."

But Wiltshire Council said: "The units will be available at a competitive rate to new business start-ups and small businesses as well as existing market traders. The aim is to provide individuals or organisations with a cost effective opportunity to start a business within the centre of one of Wiltshire’s key market towns and help boost the local economy.

"Four double units remain available at a cost of £150 per week inclusive of parking, water, electric and business rates and can be let on a fixed term lease with a minimum period of three months.

"Traders must be prepared to trade for five days a week if they wish to run a business within a unit. "

The project has also created an office and meeting space in the Market Hall which will be used to host business training and networking sessions for unit holders and market traders.

A wi-fi installation will also form part of the project to allow unit holders to conduct business and communicate with suppliers and partners via the internet.

Fleur de Rhe Philipe, Wiltshire Council cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, said: "We are committed to stimulating economic growth and this provides a very real, on the ground example of one of the many ways we are working to achieve this. These units will help new ventures test a business idea in a cost effective way."

The units are available on varying term leases. Anyone interested in a unit can contact Wiltshire Council’s Markets Team on 0300 456 0100 or email Markets@Wiltshire.gov.uk