A weekly street market is to return to a north Wales town centre after a break of more than a century in an attempt to boost the local economy.

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

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

Business owners in the town support the initiative as a way of attracting ferry passengers, tourists and shoppers to the centre.

Holyhead had a thriving market in Market Square until the mid-nineteenth century when it was relocated to the purpose-built Market Hall building.

The hall is dilapidated and markets have not been held there for some time.

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.

Ferry passengers

"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.

"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.

Town hopes to attract ferry passengers

"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.

Economic boost

Anglesey's Head of Environmental Services, Terry Jones, said he hoped the market would lead to an increase in visitor numbers.

"Widespread support and enthusiasm has been shown towards this scheme by Holyhead shop keepers, with 98% in favour," he said.

"It is hoped that the market will act as an economic boost for Holyhead and will encourage more people to visit the town centre," added Mr Jones.

The market will be held every Monday between 31 March and 29 September 2003.

According to the county council's Executive Committee this period will be a suitable trial to gauge the success of the project and develop a strategy for a permanent market either on a seasonal or all-year-round basis.