COUNCIL bosses pledged to keep market stalls in Winchester’s High Street and to renew the contract of the current organisers.

The markets, which are run by Southern Market Traders (SMT) on the council’s behalf, have seen a major increase in traders.

The latest figures came before Winchester City Council’s cabinet on Wednesday (April 11).

Estates officer Kevin Warren said the number of vendors had risen 157 per cent compared to the previous year.

During that time, stalls have been extended from their traditional home in Middle Brook Street into the High Street.

Mr Warren added that the move was the “catalyst” behind the market’s revival.

Last summer’s switch angered some existing shopkeepers who said the High Street was too crowded on market days.

Cllr George Beckett, who leads the council, said talks were organised by Winchester Business Improvement District.

Following those discussions, most of the problems had been solved, he added.

“This is now an outstanding success story and like all outstanding successes there are a few details that need to be dealt with,” he said.

Cllr Beckett added that a few shopkeepers and residents were still against the market’s expansion.

However, the cabinet heard 19 out of 20 shoppers stopped at random for a recent survey said they were not against the move.

Cabinet members voted to keep the High Street market stalls, and to renew SMT’s contract for another year.