Plans to relaunch Malmesbury's controversial market have been given the go-ahead by town councillors.

In 2003 protests arose after a Sunday market returned after a 40-year absence. But traders complained it was costing them buiness and it led to former mayor Charles Vernon being banned from a men's outfitter shop by owner Stan Malpas. Councillors were criticised at the time for not consulting traders.

But town councillors have now consulted with shopkeepers, church representatives and residents for what they envisage will be a successful enterprise.

It is hoped the management company Made In Stroud will start running the market at the Market Cross from June 11.

Town councillors agreed to the proposal from councillor John Lawton on Tuesday night to operate the market on the second and fourth Saturday of every month.

A working party of councillors would then review it in September. Coun Lawton said trading at the market would run from 9am to 2pm with no more than 20 stalls selling local produce.

He said: "Anything that increases the number of people will benefit traders."

Alan Woodward, president of Malmesbury's Chamber of Commerce, said: "I am glad it would not take place every week and hopefully traders will benefit."