Taste of the continent (From Free Press Series)

Taste of the continent

PONTYPOOL'S first Continental Market has been hailed a "rip roaring success".

Locals and visitors flocked to the town, which adopted a European feel for the three day event over the Easter weekend.

There they discovered an array of delights being sold from the stalls positioned in George Street, Commercial Street and the link, between Tesco and Crane Street, while accordion music gently filtered through the air.

The traders, who travelled from France, Germany and Belgium, were said to be delighted with the outcome and are keen to return to Pontypool.

Euromarket operations director, Brian Newman said: "The market has been absolutely fantastic. All the traders are over the moon, it has been a great event for the whole three days."

Mr Newman explained he hopes to arrange for the traders to return in the autumn and to possibly bring more stalls to the town.

"When I first came to see Pontypool I thought it would work, everyone is so friendly," he said.

"We had customers from all over, some as far as Wiltshire and we would hope visitors will return to Pontypool after we have left."

Mr Newman added: "We would like to thank everyone for making us feel welcome and Tesco for allowing us to park in the car park."

Denise Langman, Pontypool Town Centre manager who organized the event said: "I can't tell you how pleased I am. The event has been amazing. People have spent their money in the market and local shops, and many established businesses said they experienced an increase in trade as a result."

Among the traders backing the event was Ann Touhig, manager of Stead and Simpson shoe shop, who said in the first two days of the market they experienced a 21 percent increase in trade.

Mrs Touhig said: "I think the market has been good, it has brought a lot of people into the town. Friday afternoon Pontypool seemed to be buzzing. I would certainly welcome it again."

Her thoughts were echoed by Kay Warren, of Warren's in Pontypool's indoor market.

She said: "We were very busy at the shop on Saturday. Anything that brings people into the town is a good thing. That is the one thing we miss, the outdoor Friday market. People like looking around markets and I think the continental market is a good idea."

Fellow market trader Ian Hitchings of Hitchings Butchers said the event was a good idea by Torfaen Council.

The winner of the Free Press and Euromarket competition was Steve Harris, of Abersychan.