BROMLEY'S pre-Christmas move towards an arts and crafts market in the High Street proved a success and will now return.

Traders from across the region set up their stalls during the festive season, selling jewellery and - under the strict direction of Bromley Council - other high quality goods.

A new start date at the end of the month has been proposed for the market to be made a permanent fixture.

A survey of 500 shoppers over a three-day period last year revealed 96 per cent believed it was benefiting the town.

Local businesses in the area were also questioned and 89 per cent agreed the market could be used as a weapon against the Bluewater threat - the giant Dartford-based shopping development which the council fears could suck nearly 10 per cent of trade from the area if nothing is done to attract customers to Bromley.

Under the new scheme, 62 stalls will be set up, nearly twice the number of the Christmas pilot, offering a greater variety of goods. They will also be placed back to back to increase space.

Town centre manager James Findlater hopes to create the "traditional ambience of a traditional market square".

He said: "I am convinced that the Arts and Crafts market will establish itself as a genuine quality to the Bromley Town Centre retail offer. I am absolutely sure it will attract many new visitors into the town throughout the year."

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