TO help increase footfall in the town, Caldicot Town Team is running a series of specialised markets over the next few months.

The first specialised market took place in Caldicot town centre last month alongside its current market traders, in an attempt to boost footfall within the town. The market focussed on arts and crafts and encouraged home businesses or micro-businesses to run a stall in the town centre free of charge to improve their presence in the marketplace. The market had five extra stallholders for the event, with all of them taking a good income from the day.

Footfall was increased in the town centre and local businesses also took part with Clarkes Butchers selling hot dogs and burgers. Bargain Booze provided a free wine tasting session.

The next market will take place on Friday 22nd May and is to focus on garden/outdoor items. A range of products will be on sale from trowels and spades to fire pits and sheds. The market opens to the public at 10am and will run until 6pm. If anyone would like to have a stall, free of charge, email [email protected]">[email protected] or call 07716 557289.

In June Caldicot Town Team are planning a food themed market. For more information visit http://www.caldicottownteam.com">www.caldicottownteam.com and click 'Markets'.

At the end of the three month pilot scheme Caldicot Town Team will review the success of the markets and hope to produce a calendar of specialised markets to run throughout the rest of the year.

The markets are part of a large initiative by Caldicot Town Team to encourage more people to use the town.

Monmouthshire County Council's (MCC) cabinet met last Wednesday (6th May) and agreed the release of £25,210 to go to the improvement of the town.

Further projects include the provision of free, public, wifi connectivity in Caldicot town centre and the commissioning of a report looking into ways to boost the town.

Leader of MCC Peter Fox, said: "It is great to see the town team coming forward with ideas to influence the town."

Councillor Phil Murphy said: "Caldicot has a very enthusiastic team with a lot of impetus.

"We need to do everything we can to encourage them."