Shopkeepers hope the street market will boost business

The move is hailed by the local authority as a "new shopping experience for the town" and it is hoped it will give a much needed boost to the local economy.

The market will be based around the Market Square Cross, where the town had a thriving market up to the mid-nineteenth century.

It was then moved to a purpose-built indoor hall but had not been held for many years after the building became dilapidated.

The local authority has called on the services of TV's best known street traders, "Del Boy" and "Uncle Albert", to publicise the Easter Monday opening.

Trotter family lookalikes will be promoting the market

A tribute act to the Only Fools and Horses characters will be on hand to give their unique Trotter-style advice to traders.

The return of the market is part of a wider project by Anglesey council to regenerate the port town, which includes a �1.8m restructuring of the road network to attract more ferry passengers.

Business owners have given their support to the initiative and hope it will attract more ferry passengers, tourists and local people to the centre.

Glyn Williams, vice-chair of the town's Chamber of Trade, and owner of the Seventy Nine pub in Holyhead, said: "I hope this will make a difference to the town and greatly appreciate the steps being taken.

"When the idea of establishing a market came up originally, I was involved in a survey of local business people and residents and there was overwhelming support; only two of those asked opposed the idea.

It will help keep the town alive Glyn Williams, Holyhead Chamber of Trade

"But attracting an additional 1,000 people to the town can only be a good thing for the shops and businesses on the high street," he said.

"I hope the development will attract ferry passengers from Ireland into the town because everybody likes a good market.

"It will help to keep the town alive," added Mr Williams.

The weekly market will be held throughout the summer until the end of September 2003.

The site of the market is designed to be only a short stroll away from parking, the train station and ferry terminal to maximise the potential numbers coming from the ferry.

Many of Holyhead's shops and businesses are also opening on Easter Monday to celebrate the event.

Locals launched a campaign to urge Anglesey County Council to run a market in the ferry port town following the success of twice weekly markets at Llangefni.

Holyhead Town County Councillor, Cliff Everett, said he hoped the new market would give the town a boost and attract more people to do their shopping there.