CUSTOMERS are today looking forward to more variety on Ipswich market after it got the go-ahead for expansion in the new year.Traders celebrated earlier last week when they were granted a five-year licence to operate on the Cornhill along with plans to expand into neighbouring streets.

CUSTOMERS are today looking forward to more variety on Ipswich market after it got the go-ahead for expansion in the new year.

Traders celebrated earlier last week when they were granted a five-year licence to operate on the Cornhill along with plans to expand into neighbouring streets.

The new licence, which has received Royal Assent, will come into force in May next year in what should be a rosy future for the town centre.

The market will be able to swell to the front of the Lloyd's TSB bank, half way up Lloyd's Avenue, down Princes Street and some way up Westgate Street and Tavern Street.

For some there is relief that the market, once on the brink of closure, will finally be able rival others in the region.

Derek Barker, of Rushmere St Andrew, said: "I'm a bit disgusted that this town hasn't got a market like Norwich. But I am now delighted and hopefully they will get it right this time. It really has had too many moves.

"It is missing a whole lot because they haven't got the space. It is really short of haberdashery. I needed some needles the other day and I finished up in Allders, right at the top of the building."

Peggy Miller, of Cemetery Road, Ipswich, added: "This market is small compared to some places like Bury. I would like to see people selling curtain material, a haberdashery stall or anything that gives it a little glitter."

The limited space has prevented a major expansion and potential stallholders have been unwilling to commit themselves to the Ipswich.

Some stalls from Bury have already moved to Ipswich, including a popular stall selling cakes and Caribbean pasties.

Now the situation has changed and it is hoped the plans will also magnetise thousands of extra shoppers looking for traditional goods and relishing the hunt for bargains.

A woman from Hollesley, who did not wish to be named, said: "I always come here to get my fruit and vegetables, but they could do with a bit more variety. It will bring more people to the town."

Sylvia Harvey, of Nacton Road, Ipswich, said the market was her main reason for coming to the town.

Is the expansion of the market a good thing for Ipswich? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk