A FLAGGING weekly market will be relocated in a bid to boost trade.

Melksham's Tuesday general market has been failing to attract both shoppers and stall holders.

Melksham Town Council has now agreed to allow the market stalls to be moved from the Market Place to Church Street car park.

Some weeks there are only half a dozen stalls in the Market Place.

Peter Dunford, West Wiltshire District Council's economic development said: "The Tuesday market was like the farmers' market very popular, but in recent months interest has dropped off."

The farmers' market moved to Church Street this month and proved a huge hit. Its stall holders had been losing trade when located next to the Riverside Centre off Bath Road.

Melksham mayor Vic Oakman met West Wiltshire District Council officer Linda Holland last week to discuss the Tuesday market problem.

"We would be happy as long as the access to the car park is kept clear; there is still room for some parking and there is no encroachment on public safety," said Cllr Oakman at Monday's Melksham Town Council meeting.

The move could be made in the first fortnight in December once the district council has received comments from the town and traders.

"The farmers market was very happy with the move. There were a lot more visitors and traders almost ran out of goods to sell.

"This is also maybe the right place for the weekly market," said Cllr Adrienne Westbrook.