RAYLEIGH market will be open for an extra day each week in the lead-up to Christmas.

The market, which has been a great success since it moved to the taxi rank, in the High Street in 2011, will open on Saturdays from November 23 until December 21.

The extra day will allow stalls to sell seasonal goods, such as decorations and winter baking items.

Ian Ward, chairman of Rayleigh Town Council, said: “There has not been a Saturday market in Rayleigh High Street since the old days of the livestock markets, which ceased long before the Second World War.

“We all know local high streets are under threat and with the huge popularity of our Wednesday market, we are being proactive in what we can do to attract shoppers to the town, particularly at this very important time of year for local retailers.”

Carl Watson, president of the town’s chamber of trade, was full of praise for the way the council had brought success to the town’s market. He said: “The market has gone from strength to strength.

It’s brought trade into the town and has been very successful.”

Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in the High Street, is also a big fan of the market, but is wary some stalls may be selling seasonal goods similar to that of shops already in the town.

She said: “I think the market is great on a Wednesday, but in the run-up to Christmas it’s a different matter for the traders with bricks and mortar.

“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for us. We’re the ones who are paying our rates and rents to be here.”