AT a recent Chepstow Marketing meeting, Sandra Bushell (Chepstow Town Council Clerk) confirmed that the town has permission to hold 14 markets per year. The areas designated for stalls include, Beaufort Square, outside Lloyds Bank, Cormeilles Place and around The Boatman.

The markets will take place on the 4th Saturday of each month, for which some surrounding roads will be closed.

"We plan to start the markets on 28th March, in time for Easter. We are putting together an exiting programme of events for the year and will be working with Chepstow Marketing Committee and the new Chepstow Chamber of Commerce to promote the markets and to encourage more stallholders," said Sandra Bushell, "This year the town council has identified a budget for street entertainment on market days and we have also invested in a public address system, which will mean that we will be able to offer a wider variety of entertainment and activities."

Sarah Beynon from Chepstow Chamber of Commerce said: "There has previously been some concern over closing the roads and some shop holders have worried that a regular large market might be damaging for businesses. The Chamber acted on these concerns and liaised with the council to ensure that signage will be better for the road closures and that everyone in town should benefit from the markets."

In a benchmarking study two years ago, undertaken by Action for Market Towns on behalf of the town council, with joint funding from Chepstow Marketing Group, it was identified that markets were good for footfall in Chepstow.

The second market of the year will fall on Saturday, 25th April and the town council, together with the Royal British Legion Chepstow are planning to hold a parade and commemorative service to mark the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day.

Anzac Day is particularly special to Chepstow as the 'Gun' at the War Memorial was given to the Town by George V in recognition of VC winner Able Seaman William Williams who was awarded his VC posthumously for his bravery at the Gallipoli landing.

It is also hoped that a special Christmas market will be organised on a key trading day in December with late night openings being encouraged throughout the town leading up to Christmas.

If anyone is interested in having a market stall on the 4th Saturday of the month, they should contact the Town Council on 01291 626370 or email [email protected]">[email protected]