A MARKET that is thought to have been held in a city for more than 1,000 years has undergone a revamp following a decline in traders.

Ripon Market, which is held on Thursdays as extra pilgrims were attracted to the city on the day of the week 7th Century bishop St Wilfrid died, has been redesigned to enhance customers’ experiences.

It is hoped the new-look market will increase footfall and entice new traders to the market and will be relaunched next Thursday (May 21) with a day of entertainment.

The move follows a nine-week trial earlier this year, which was held to gauge customer and trader views on the revamped layout for 76 stalls, which aims to improve the flow of shoppers, provide more space to sit and encourage visitors to explore more stalls.

The decision to revamp the market followed a rise in the number of unoccupied stalls, which city leaders said were spoiling the appearance of a square which 18th Century author Daniel Defoe described as "the finest and most beautiful square that is to be seen of its kind in England".

Following several consultation meetings with the traders, Harrogate Borough Council, Greater Ripon Improvement Partnership and Ripon City Council, the new design will see the south end of the market near the Town Hall opened up and the market stalls moved mainly to the north end of the square, as it is better protected from the wind.

Stalls will be offered for £10 a week for three weeks in an attempt to attract new traders.

Entertainment on May 21 will include performances by the Rhythm Deluxe Jazz Band Quartet, St Wilfred’s Catholic Primary School Choir and a range of demonstrations from traders including Sri Lankan cookery, cake decorating, floral art and hanging basket design.

Harrogate Borough Council leader, Councillor Richard Cooper said: “Ripon Market is an integral part of city life and it is important that we do all we can to ensure that it continues to flourish both now and in the future. "Today’s markets are seeing something of a revival in fortunes with many shoppers forsaking the supermarket and returning to smaller local businesses.

"The market is easier to get around, looks as though it has more stalls and is enticing even more people to visit and experience all it has to offer.”