A THRIVING Hamp-shire market could double in size after proving a huge hit in its first year.

The weekly street market on the eastern side of Station Road, New Milton, already attracts up to 50 stallholders and hundreds of shoppers every Wednesday.

Now New Milton Town Council wants stalls to be placed along the western side of Station Road as well.

The market has just celebrated its first anniversary, and moves to make it permanent are likely to be approved by New Forest District Council next Monday.

Members will also discuss calls to extend the market, but closing both sides of the road would require a traffic regulation order and a decision is unlikely to be made for several months.

If the scheme goes ahead, bargain-hunters will be able to shop in a traffic-free environment.

A report to the district council's general purposes and licensing committee says: "The town council has requested that the market be expanded to both sides of Station Road between its junctions with Ashley Road and Spencer Road.

"They point to the results of a survey which shows that 87 per cent of market users support expansion.

"They also state that it should result in a greater variety of goods, as well as segregating pedestrians and vehicles and providing a safer shopping environment."

The report says that the only objection to the proposed expansion of the market has come from the Wilts and Dorset bus firm, which would have to re-route its vehicles.

Town clerk Graham Flexman said: "The intention is to close the southern section of Station Road completely to enable trading to take place on both sides of the road.

"This should benefit businesses situated on the western side as well as those that currently benefit from the market on the eastern side.

"Normal traffic could be diverted northbound up Elm Avenue to Old Milton Road, and northbound buses could use Spencer Road."