The promotional budget for St Albans’ Wednesday and Saturday markets is being increased by 70 per cent to £20,000.

The move follows feedback from a survey of regular market traders carried out as part of the the district council’s markets’ review.

Traders were asked for views on how the markets can be improved and their top request was for increased marketing and promotion. Traders believe this will help attract more customers and generate more trade.

Traders have also requested better lighting through the survey and this has been included in the future plan for the markets.

Other plans for developing the markets include recruiting traders for products not currently sold, increasing the markets’ footprints and piloting new types of market.

Steps have already been taken to introduce the St Albans Christmas Market and a food quarter at the Wednesday market.