ALTONÕS Tuesday market has successfully completed its trial period and is now firmly established in the High Street.
The number of stalls has increased and a recent count has recorded an 81 per cent increase in footfall in the High Street since the marketÕs move from the Market Square in October last year.
According to AIM (Alton Initiatives Management) Ltd chairman, Mike Baker, completion of the market trial will enable Hampshire County Council to authorise a permanent road closure order and for the company to initiate a five-year agreement with Southern Market Traders, contracted to run the market on behalf of AIM Ltd, and Alton Town Council (ATC) who provide the operating licence.
This, he told Alton Town CouncilÕs policy and resources committee, will enable investment to be made to enhance and promote the market and thus provide further opportunities and benefits to Alton as a whole.
Optimistic for the future, he reported that AIMÕs finances were healthy and that the market trial had created the foundation for a sustainable, independent revenue stream on which to build.
The company had produced and distributed two leaflets, one on ÔMarkets and FairsÕ, the other a replacement for the existing ÔWelcome to AltonÕ leaflet.
It had also initiated a programme of town centre events for the first weekend of each month and was drawing up a list of regional standard events which could be used to promote the town to a wider audience.
In addition AIM had, he said, identified the need for a theme in promoting the town and felt that the Battle of Alton stood out as the most colourful and unique selling point.
He asked too for councillorsÕ support in bringing about a uniform colour scheme for the town which at present ranges from blue and white to black.