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The cries of fruit and veg sellers will still be heard on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and will now also reverberate around the Cornhill on Thursdays.

"Ipswich is going to see a lot of change in the coming years when it comes to farmers' markets and continental markets," says John Connolly, Business and Contracts Manager for Geraud UK.

Warren O Connell and John Connollly

The Anglo/French company has taken over management responsibilities for the market, signing a five-year-lease and announcing big plans for the future: "Our aim is to create a market that's twice the size, and offer more diversity to the customers," Connolly continued.

"Soon we will bring in new traders that will create a greater vibrancy in the town."

Stall holders' support

The market traders appear to be in favour of the change and fishmonger Mike Young believes the high street stores are as well: "I've spoken to someone at Marks and Spencer who says they're busier on market days."

There's similar talk from Steve Brown of Flour Power City: "I specifically know Debenhams are supportive, as when the market's on it's one of their best days for trade."

Potential overkill?

Too much EastEnders can be bad for your health, so can the dangers of overkill be attributed to a four-day week for Ipswich Market?

John Connolly doesn't think so: "Not at all, shops all around the market are open six days a week and they don't have any overkill.

"The market will stand four days a week comfortably in my opinion."