WHEN it comes to market trading few people are more experienced than Bill Huntley who first had a stall in Devizes in 1966.

Mr Huntley, who has run the Old Curiosity Market in The Shambles, Devizes for 25 years hopes a decision by Devizes Town Council to take over the indoor market from Wiltshire Council as part of an asset transfer agreement will breathe new life into the building.

He said: "It is a beautiful building and should be a big asset for the town. I hope I can work with the town council to come up with ideas to get more people to come here. The Curiosity Market on Mondays and Sundays in the lower part of the hall is still popular."

But the upper end of the hall which was turned into business units by Wiltshire Council three years ago has not proved as successful as hoped as stall holders did not want to commit to trading at least five days a week.

Town clerk Simon Fisher is also keen for The Shambles to put to full use. He said: "Whilst many of the services the council will be taking on, we take for granted, such as grounds maintenance, street cleaning and grass cutting, when they are not done well they have a real impact on how we feel about the town.

"Over the last few years, the town council has topped up many services Wiltshire Council provide in Devizes, however future planned reductions in services has made us conclude that it time for the town to run them in their entirety.

"As part of the services devolution package, Devizes Town Council will become responsible for markets, the Shambles and the Market Place, providing real opportunities to maximize their use and expand the cultural identity to the town."