A West Suffolk market has grown in size following investment from the District and Parish Councils.

The number of traders at Mildenhall market has almost doubled since West Suffolk councils installed new electricity points at the beginning of the year.

Markets traditionally tend to be quieter during January and February and as a result traders tend to take their holidays during this period.

But with spring in the air, the market is back up to strength and welcoming new traders and customers alike.

Cllr Lance Stanbury, Cabinet Member for Planning and Growth at Forest Heath District Council said: “An attractive market can really enhance a town centre and entice people in to visit not only the stalls but the local shops as well. There are some great stalls and traders on Mildenhall market so if you haven’t been for a while why not come along and shop. Equally if you want to trade on the market or feel it is missing a specialist stall, let our market development officer know.”

New traders include a cheese and pork pie stall, a sweet and savoury stall selling   fresh bread, a selection of pies, fudge and locally made fruit juice. There’s also new stalls specialising in jewellery, pictures and photography, racing memorabilia, home improvements and double glazing. That’s on top of the market regular which include a butcher, a fishmonger, fruit and vegetables, a Thai food stall, key cutting, and a books and dvds stall. More stalls are in the pipeline while market organisers are also inviting anyone who wants to run a stall including craft stalls, to get in contact.

Cllr David Bowman, Cabinet Member for Operations at Forest Heath said: “We asked people earlier this year via some of the Facebook groups around Mildenhall what stalls they would like to see on their market. The market has since grown although we are not finished yet and we hope to attract even more variety of traders over the months ahead to ensure the market continues to grow in strength.”

The improvements to the electric points cost £12,000 and was funded by Mildenhall Parish Council and Forest Heath District Council.

Chairman of Mildenhall Parish Council, Cllr Ruth Bowman said: “I think the market has so much to offer and with the public’s support it can continue to grow and thrive, all for the benefit of the town. The electric points meanwhile will not only benefit the market but can also be used to power community events in the heart of our town throughout the year.”

Anyone interested in running a stall on the market should contact sharon.fairweather@westsuffolk.gov.uk