BASINGSTOKE council's top brass has listened to market traders' concerns and agreed to erect signs advertising the town's historic charter market.

Borough council leader Cllr Rob Donnelly has instructed council officers to explore signage options to make people aware of the market's existence.

The move comes amid fears from traders that the market - held every Wednesday and Saturday in Market Square at the Top of the Town - may die unless more is done to advertise it.

Two weeks ago, The Basingstoke Extra exclusively revealed that some traders were concerned for the future because market trade had dipped worryingly since Easter.

They said people new to the town would probably not know about the market as there were no signs in the town centre, train or bus stations telling them where it is and what days it is held.

Terry Jolley, who has run a stall in the market with wife Marie for more than 30 years, said: "All we want are some signs. We're generally happy with what the council does.

"They seem to listen to us, but we do need signs and more advertising. For example, council What's On guides mention the farmers' market and the French market but not us."

However, Cllr Donnelly confirmed yesterday that action would now be taken.

He said: "I've given instructions to council officers to put up signs to advise the world of the market. I'm happy to accommodate the stallholders on this issue."

Council spokesman Paul Galliford said officers are liaising with the Highways Authority to discuss possible locations and types of signage, although he added no dates have been set for the new measures to be put in place.

Both Cllr Donnelly and deputy leader Cllr Brian Gurden have said they want to keep the historic market, which has been running since 1086 and was granted a Royal Charter in 1214.

Cllr Donnelly has said he is looking at ways of both attracting more stalls and shoppers to the market, and improving the whole of the Top of the Town area.