SHOPPERS in Warminster have been warned that they will lose the town's market if trade fails to pick up.

The market, held in the central car-park every Friday, already resembles a ghost ship as shoppers are opting for the High Street stores.

Several market traders have already given up their weekly pitches, with one claiming he only makes around £5 a week profit.

Warminster mayor Ultan Ryan has warned shoppers that if they fail to use the market it could disappear altogether.

He said: "I think we could well lose it. It is not used as much as it should be.

"Some people in Warminster don't even know it exists, which we found out by accident when talking to some people.

"One woman said that people in her end of town hadn't even realised it was there."

Cllr Ryan believes the root of the problem is that supermarkets are putting up more of a fight.

He said: "Things are too good in supermarkets and people are working all hours and want to shop quickly.

"Warminster is a market town and we need it. It is all part of the character of the town."