THE first Thursday market to be held in Wrexham town centre for more than 120 years proved a big hit with shoppers and traders.

Following requests from stallholders, the council’s executive board agreed earlier this month to revive the market’s Thursday session for a trial period of six months.

The first session was held in Queens Square the day before Good Friday last week – as the spring heatwave was at its height.

Colin Jones, town centre project officer, said: “We were very encouraged by the number of people that visited the Thursday market.

“The good weather we had certainly helped, but traders were very pleased with the turnout.

“The Thursday market will continue to run over the next few weeks before the executive board will decide on whether to make it a permanent fixture.”

The market traditionally operated on two days – Mondays and Thursdays – for more than two centuries until it was scrapped by the council of the day in 1889.

Explaining last month why a revival was being trialled, town centre manager Isobel Watson said: “The Monday market is proving so successful that we have received requests from traders for an additional day, which is good news when a lot of other towns are struggling.

“Many traders who come to Wrexham on Mondays have said they will come on Thursdays as well.

“We have looked at other locations to hold the market but Queens Square has become well established.”

A scheme to stage smaller, specialist markets in other areas of the town centre, such as Market Street and Henblas Street, is also being considered by the council.