CABINET councillors have given the green light for a trial period of extra markets and events in a bid to make more use of Salisbury's Market Square.

From April, there will be regular visits by farmers' markets, craft markets and continental markets, in addition the popular twice weekly Charter Market.

But a decision by the district council's cabinet to hold a monthly farmers' market on a Wednesday rather than a Friday has been labelled "a mistake" by the council's Labour group.

Leader of the Labour group on the council Steve Fear said there was already an established farmers' market in Bath on a Wednesday.

This meant meant that, instead of attracting about 25 stallholders, as a Friday market would do, a Wednesday market in Salisbury would only bring in between ten and 12 traders.

Mr Fear said: "By choosing Wednesdays instead of Fridays, the cabinet risks making it an unviable proposition."

The cabinet has also agreed to introduce three continental markets and a monthly craft market on a Friday, running from April to November.

Deputy portfolio holder for planning and economic development Margaret Peach said the Market Square was a valuable asset to the city centre but it was only taken full advantage of for two days a week.

She told the Journal: "We believe there is potential for this site to be utilised, to make Salisbury an even more attractive place to visit.

"We believe the addition of a monthly farmers' market will provide a specialist niche that will make people want to come especially to the city.

"It will also give our local rural economy a real boost.

"In the same way, several continental markets and crafts markets will provide a specialist environment that is currently not catered for."

Mrs Peach said the Charter Market was a well-respected institution and the council wanted to preserve and enhance it.

The council would be monitoring the new events, she added.

A market research team will monitor the seven-month trial to assess the impact on the Charter Market and how many extra people visited the city.

Their report will go before councillors at the end of this year, when the decision will be taken on whether to make the markets permanent.

The craft markets will be run by organisations that support special-needs groups and the farmers' markets will be organised by the Wiltshire Farmers' Market Association.

The continental market will be held in May and September and later in the year on a date yet to be arranged.