| The campaign to move Newbury's struggling market traders into Northbrook Street steps up a gear tonight when Newbury Town Council decides whether to throw its weight behind the plan. Liberal Democrat town and district councillor Julian Swift-Hook has triggered a debate to force town representatives to make their position on the move official.
Newbury Town Council is set to lose 30% of revenue from the market by the end of the financial year, as stallholders dwindle to barely double figures, compared to a capacity of around 35.
Traders were moved to Northbrook Street in 2006, to make way for the £800,000 revamp of the Market Place, and recorded takings up by 50%. But West Berkshire Council turned down a request to stay in the town's busiest street, and ordered the traders back to the piazza.
Since then, the town council has also come under fire for not doing enough to promote the market. So a recent campaign has seen a banner installed in Northbrook Street, some flyers handed out, and bands playing in the Market Place to draw the crowds.
Cllr Swift-Hook praises Market Manager Steve Brind in his motion to next Monday's council meeting, and warned that the market formed part of the character of Newbury.
Last year, the town hall spent £888 on promoting the market, but has already spent £500 between March and June, and will spend £2500 by the end of the year. | 
