Traders in Oswestry’s indoor market will be doing business on Thursdays from the end of this month.

The initiative will see the Powis Market Hall open four days a week from April 20, in addition to its opening days on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays which coincide with the market on the Bailey Head.

It is hoped the extra day will attract more start-up businesses and benefit existing traders.

Mayor of Oswestry Councillor Paul Milner said: “We hope it will encourage new businesses to begin their trade within the market and also allows the current traders more opportunities with the chance of meeting new customers.

“This also gives the customers more choice when shopping on the market.”

The market is run by the town council, which hopes to attract more food stalls to its markets – and it says there have been some positive recent additions.

From April, The Grain Sheaf Bakery will be extending its business in the centre of the indoor market and there will also be a new craft beer stall opening very soon.

This is on top of the quality food outlets already trading inside the market such as Micky Finns fresh fish, Hartshorn’s Butchers, Radford’s Delicatessen and Llynclys Farm Shop.

Cllr Milner added: “Food stalls are always popular and now with the extra day they will be able to improve the management of their waste as well as offer their fresh produce direct to the customer.”

The trial will be reviewed at the end of the year when the council will decide if the initiative has had a positive effect on the market.

Public support for the scheme would be appreciated, it said.