MARKET traders in Ipswich are celebrating today after being given an extra six months on the Cornhill."This is the best Christmas present we could have had.

By Paul Geater

MARKET traders in Ipswich are celebrating today after being given an extra six months on the Cornhill.

"This is the best Christmas present we could have had. All the traders are delighted," said spokesman Mike Young.

"We still have to sort out the long term future, but this is a great boost for us and hopefully we can go on from here."

Ipswich Borough Council has given the market the extension after its first six months has been a major success.

The market moved to the Cornhill after a major campaign spearheaded by The Evening Star after traders warned it was on the brink of collapse.

The number of traders at its previous site on the Civic Centre car park had dwindled alarmingly – but since its move to the Cornhill in May it has been a big hit with shoppers.

The council stepped in last month to help when the market operators were unable to secure a renewal of their insurance cover.

A suitable quote was found and agreed and the traders were able to continue.

Around 19 stalls operate on the Cornhill on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

and this arrangement will continue at least until next May.

The Council wants the popular St Valentine's Fair to be held on the Cornhill during the spring half-term holiday.

Council leader Peter Gardiner, said today: "We are very pleased to be able to offer this extension to the traders.

"We continue to back the market one hundred percent and are looking at all the options in the hope of reaching a longer-term agreement."