TRADERS and councillors have welcomed the possibility of restoring a market to Malmesbury but nobody can decide which day it should be on.

The town council has established a working group to restore the market as a weekly event in the town. They believe it will attract tourists, increase business and bolster community spirit.

The preferred location is in the Market Cross, Market Lane area, near the town hall.

If the consultation goes smoothly the market could be back in business by March next year.

Town clerk Phil Rice said the market would raise additional revenue which could be used to help reduce the council tax burden on the town, or contribute to wards facilities such as the setting up of an alcohol exclusion zone or a CCTV system.

But, he said, if the market was restarted, stalls would have to be set up before an agreed hour in the morning, and all stallholders' vehicles parked away from the town centre.

The scheme to rejuvenate the market emerged after councillors consulted individuals and groups last June.

More than 70 per cent of local people favoured the return of a regular outdoor market, with most people opting for a Sunday event.

Previous attempts to stage a market in Malmesbury have proved controversial.

In August 2003 a market was set up at the Market Cross after a 30-year gap.

Organised by Bath-based firm Landmark Events, it had about 40 stalls selling meat, cheese, wine and other produce. But some traders said they had not been informed a market was coming to town and they were angry at what they perceived as unfair competition.

Matters came to a head when furious traders complained to councillors their takings were suffering.

Some shopkeepers banned councillors from their shops and one even banned the then mayor, Charles Vernon. Coun Vernon now recognises consultation is crucial to prevent further opposition.

He said: "There was a great deal of opposition before so we need to prevent it occurring a second time. A few traders felt their business was suffering. Last time it was a very social event. Now we have to decide what day is best. I feel Sunday would be best because we have car parking space."

Mayor Patrick Goldstone said it would be a great asset to the town.

Coun Martin Snell, however, opposed the idea of a market being held on Sunday. He said: "I would not support that because there would be many fewer car parking spaces for people going to church."

Malmesbury Abbey churchwarden John Miller said a Sunday market was not right. He said: "I welcome a market, but personally I am against Sunday trading and it would mean a lot of churchgoers would have to pass through the market on their way to Malmesbury Abbey."

Businessman Mark Foster, who owns Amanda's Caf in Oxford Street, said: "I am sure it would be very popular. Last time it increased our business. We were selling 20 breakfasts an hour. Sunday or Monday would be best."

Butcher Richard Walker, whose shop is at Market Cross, said: "I am not scared of competition, just unfair competition. We could lose car-parking spaces if the market returns."

People are invited to attend a meeting at the town hall on November 10 at 7.30 to discuss the issue. Comments can also be e-mailed to the town clerk at www.philrice@northwilts.gov.uk.