THE flavours and styles of Europe come to Marlborough today and tomorrow when the first continental market is staged in the town.

Stalls from predominantly France will line the lower side of the High Street from the old Ailesbury Arms Hotel to the Polly tea Rooms.

Although French and continental markets have been staged regularly in other Wiltshire towns, this will be the first time one has be held in Marlborough.

Chamber of Commerce president Anthony Wells has given the idea a cautious welcome although some traders in the town are concerned about the effect it might have on their business.

The market is being run as a trial by the Marlborough Area Development Trust, which has been set up to improve the quality of life for people living in the town and 26 villages that comprise the community area.

The trust has sub groups looking at ways of improving housing, transport, encouraging new culture and leisure activities and boosting the local economy.

Trust chairman Melvyn Lilywhite believes the continental markets will benefit town traders.

He said: "The idea is not only to give business to the market stalls but to bring new business to the town.

"The idea of holding the markets is to help keep the town vibrant."

He stressed that the market was being run only as a trial and that the trust would be gathering comments from traders and the public about it.