DEMANDS are growing for Ledbury Town Council to do more to revive its ailing Charter Market, which sometimes sees less than a handful of traders attending, especially on a Tuesday.

Town plan working group member, Griff Holliday, formally raised the issue during the last full town council meeting, asking what was being done.

But Cllr Bob Barnes, chairman of the town's finance and general purposes committee, said this week that the recent bad winter was a factor in the low number of traders at the market, and he said there were indications that things were getting better.

Cllr Barnes said there were two new traders at last Saturday's market, and he added: "We are doing all we can to attract new traders, and other traders are interested. Things will improve during the summer; but a market needs customers and traders to support it."

He said the Tuesday Charter Market was of more concern than the one on Saturday, with only two or three traders setting up stall some Tuesdays.

Mr Holliday said: "I raised this issue with my town plan working group hat on. The Ledbury Town Plan adopted by Ledbury Town Council identified among a number of economic development targets for the town centre the expansion of the current markets.

"This is not likely to be a simple task given the current small size of the market. It will need some professional help together with cooperation between the town council and a number of local interested parties and groups plus local traders plus some investment in facilities and publicity.

"What is needed is will and commitment across the piece together with a clear plan to take things forward to build up and hold trade. The town council has undertaken to discuss the way forward following their recent meeting with a representative of the National Association of British Market Authorities."

Cllr Annette Crowe said that with the help of the National Association of British Markets, a number of ideas were already under consideration.

Meanwhile, Ledbury residents have been coming up with their own ideas.

Spencer Lane, posting on the Voice of Ledbury Facebook site said: "Chepstow car park is free for the first 30 minutes, then £1 for the next 2 hours. The toilets are clean, open and free.

"This attracts shoppers to Chepstow, and should be something our council should follow."

Terry Wilkins said: "Make the market free for traders for a period to attract more traders; give them a better chance to assess the potential viability of considering a long-term commitment."