A decision to move a Wrexham market dating back to the 15th Century has been greeted favourably by traders, who feared it may have been forced to close.

Later this month, the Beast market will move from the Eagles Meadow area to part of the Waterworld car park which is nearer the town centre.

We were losing customers year on year, but the new site is more protected and nearer to bus routes and car parks

Frank Moran, market trader

The market, has shrunk from around 150 to around 60 stalls in recent years.

It is hoped the move, which forms part of a multimillion pound redevelopment of the area, will revitalise its fortunes.

"I cannot see a long-term future for the market if it doesn't move," said Frank Moran, who runs a jewellery and key-cutting stall.

Mr Moran, who has been at the market since 1977, said the event was in danger of dying off.

"We were losing customers year on year, but the new site is more protected and nearer to bus routes and car parks."

The Eagles Meadow site is to be redeveloped

He said a lot of his fellow traders were positive about the move, although there was some apprehension about it.

"Ideally, I would like to be in the centre of town, as there is nowhere better, but this could be a stepping stone to an even better location."

Mr Twigg, from Liverpool-based Aintree Cake Ltd, recently pulled out of the market because of poor sales.

But he said he might consider returning if the move proved successful.

"If it looked more worthwhile in its new location, I would consider putting someone there," he said.

Redevelopment scheme

Wrexham council's market manager Ken Barney said the location of the current Eagles Meadow site had caused real problems.

"It was away from the town centre and looks visually poor," he said.

The new site offers improved access to disabled shoppers, toilet facilities, and access to the bus station.

There will be room for 60 units at the new site, which will take over one third of the Waterworld car park every Monday.

The redevelopment of the Eagles Meadow area was given the go-ahead in May.

Plans had been submitted to build a new cinema on the site but these were shelved after interest from the John Lewis Partnership.

It is likely to be the mid part of 2004 before the scheme is complete.