BEESTON'S weekly market is returning after a break of more than a year.
The former Willoughby Street market shut down at the start of May last year because of the site's poor condition.
From next Monday, a mixture of craft, food and retail stalls will be in the town square from 9am to 5pm each week, excluding bank holidays.
The market will be run by a not-for-profit organisation called Stall-it, which hopes to bring new people into the town and help independent retailers reach a wider audience.
Director Carly Collingwood said: "This is the perfect solution because the market that was being held 12 months ago on Willoughby Street was not suitable because a lot of work and money needed to be invested to bring it up to the required standard. It is obvious to many people in Beeston that we need a market and I have spent the last year trying to get this one off the ground.
"There were restrictions about using the main square but we managed to get these lifted by working with Broxtowe Borough Council.
"This will be a big fixture for the town and it will bring a great atmosphere to the area and, in time, we hope that we can expand it out. We have at least 20 stalls already signed up and we accept any business apart from those selling alcohol."
The market has been set up to be as cost-effective as possible for the businesses taking part.
Companies will have to provide their own stalls and it will cost £10 for a 10ft by 10ft pitch for the day.
Chocolatier Emma Ward, of Emma Lauren Chocolates, said "I have just started my business up and this is the perfect opportunity for me.
"Having a weekly market is a fantastic idea and the location is a really big pulling factor.
"I am hoping that I will get a lot of passing trade."
Card maker Tracy Francis, of Beeston, said: "It is really important to try and keep independent businesses going.
"This is a fantastic idea and I am looking forward to seeing it. Once the tram is up and running, that will hopefully bring more people to a proper established market."
Beeston Business Improvement District manager Stephanie Wilkinson said: "We want this market to complement the existing businesses in the town and provide something extra.
"In the past, our craft shows and farming markets have gone down well and we hope that this weekly market will bring people into the area.
"When our previous market vanished a year ago, it was a real shame but a lot of people will welcome this new one in a more central location."
