Traders in Caerphilly have given a thumbs up to the popular Medieval Christmas Fayre and Market staged in the town, Plaid Cymru council leader Lindsay Whittle has revealed.
Businesses surveyed said the two day had been good for the town, with visitor numbers boosted, and that they wanted the event repeated.
A total of 39 businesses returned surveys and several urged that the market should be extended into Pentrebane Street.
They commented that the event “supported the town’s retailers” and there was a great atmosphere in Caerphilly.
Some traders said they wanted to see an expanded medieval market and others called for Caerphilly Castle to offer free entry to visitors on the two days of the event.
Councillor Lindsay Whittle said: “The Plaid-led council is delighted to hear from traders that they were delighted with the Christmas event and would like it expanded.
“Certainly, as businesses have identified, the market created a great atmosphere in Caerphilly before Christmas.
“I was pleased to hear that footfall from visitors was up considerably on 2008 which emphasises what a popular event the medieval market has become. Some traders said they thought the event could be repeated as part of the Big Cheese.”
Cllr Whittle added: “The survey did identify a problem with insufficient car parking, but this was due to the sheer number of visitors the market attracted and it is something the council will need to look at in time for the next event.”
He said that data showed footfall in Castle Court was more than 40,000 people – up 3,000 on 2008 while in Cardiff Road the figure was almost 20,000 – up more than 5,000 on the previous year.