OKEHAMPTON residents and traders will shortly be asked their views on the setting up of a Wednesday market in Fore Street.

The initiative to give the town an added attraction has come from the chamber of trade.

The Wednesday market, which will sell local produce and craft items, is being proposed for the north side of Fore Street.

Chamber member Derek Godfrey-Brown said Wednesday was a popular market day and he considered Okehampton would benefit from such an attraction.

'I think it would be something that both visitors and locals would appreciate,' he said.

'A market in Fore Street on Wednesdays, in addition to the fortnightly farmers' markets in the Charter Hall, would add a new dimension to the town.'

He said many people complained that the town lacked appeal.

'If we want a vibrant town then we must make it inviting,' he added.

'Markets appeal to a cross-section of people and the more people we can entice here the better.'

Mr Godfrey-Brown said the chamber was keen to see benefits for all in Okehampton but these did not come about by standing still.

'We would like this market to start as soon as possible so it is in place for the tourist season, but we will listen to all viewpoints on the subject,' he said.

Okehampton town councillors stressed at their meeting last week that they would like to see a full consultation of members of the public and traders, including those who were not in the Chamber of Trade.

Discussions have taken place with West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Council highways and the police who have no objections.

Cllr Bill Bourne was supportive of the idea and said the consultation should start as soon as possible.

Town liaison officer, Sidney Thompson, said he thought the market was a fantastic idea.

'In my opinion we are not making the most of our market and if a vibrant street market could be organised it would be great,' he said.

'We have got to try and make the town more attractive for visitors so they want to return after their first visit. They will do that if they have a good experience here in Okehampton.'

The subject will be brought up at the town's meeting in the Charter Hall on Monday.