Businessman Stan Malpass who once booted out former mayor Charles Vernon from his shop in protest at the controversial Malmesbury market, has welcomed its return.

Mr Malpass was such an opponent of the market the he kicked out Coun Vernon from his shop ASM Outfitters, on the High Street, in October 2003.

Like many traders in the town at the time he was angry town councillors had not consulted with shopkeepers about the return of a Sunday market after a 40-year absence.

But now the trader has had a change of heart about a new town council initiative to launch a fortnightly farmers' market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from June 11 at the Market Cross.

Mr Malpass said: "If it is just a farmers' market then I have no objections. A farmers' market is acceptable because it will sells specialised produce. I welcome it. Previously I was against it because they were bringing in people from outside the town and it was a full blown market.

"This time I think we should give it a trial by all means. If it is no good we will object."

The Saturday market will be operated by the management company Made In Stroud and it will be reviewed by a working party of councillors in September.

There would be up to 20 stalls offering goods such as locally produced wine, meat, cakes and vegetables.

Although Mr Malpass was cautiously optimistic about the relaunch he stressed it must only offer produce from farmers.

Mr Malpass said: "A farmers' market should be produce that has been made within 30 miles of the area. If they bring in crafts this time I feel this is a backdoor approach to selling clothes."

Malmesbury shopkeeper Kevin Ballard, who owns Triangle Fisheries, at The Triangle, fears his business will be hit by the market.

Mr Ballard said: "Our busiest days are Friday and Saturday and little traders like us don't have a chance. I have been trading for 25 years and if I had a high street position I wouldn't worry but we are out on a limb down here."

Simon Haggarty, manager of The Old Bell Hotel in Abbey Row, Malmesbury, was enthusiastic about the market's return, saying it would be boost tourism.

"It will put Malmesbury on the map and you will get people people coming from Cirencester and Chippenham to see it. In the past it was very popular and it means we will be able to tell our customers about it."

Town councillor John Lawton said market traders will be told that they cannot park within the town centre, and should park their vehicles in the long-stay Station Yard car park.

He said the Malmesbury market would comply with guidelines that define local produce as being from between 30 and 50 miles from a venue.