COUNCIL chiefs in the New Forest have launched a campaign to save one of the area's best-known markets.

The weekly collection of stalls off Salisbury Road, Totton, is under threat after suffering a dramatic drop in trade.

A 50 per cent reduction in the number of stallholders has been accompanied by a corresponding reduction in customers.

Now Totton Town Council has issued a "use it or lose it" warning to shoppers amid fears that more traders are about to quit.

The outdoor mart, which is held every Wednesday, is a useful source of bargains for pensioners and other people on a fixed income.

It also provides vital revenue for the council, which will have to raise the council tax or cut services if the market closes.

Civic leaders want to improve the market - and say the number of stalls will start to increase if more people shop there.

The campaign to save the council-run attraction is being spearheaded by town clerk Derek Biggs and Councillor Frank Bright, chairman of the planning and transport advisory committee.

In a joint statement they said the market had been part of Totton's shopping scene for 15 years.

The statement added: "When it first opened it was extremely busy, but currently has too few customers to attract a large range of stalls.

"The message is clear. Residents must use the facility or they will lose it."

Stallholders have been hit by competition from supermarkets and stores selling cut-price goods. They say the lack of shelter from bad weather also encourages customers to go elsewhere.

However, a threat to the survival of Hythe's weekly market earlier this year resulted in residents rallying to the cause. Councillors are hoping that the question mark hanging over Totton market will result in a similar surge of support.