TRADERS in Ludlow are hoping that Shropshire Council will enter into the spirit of things in order to help make an end of year initiative a success.

Ludlow Chamber of Trade has decided to press ahead with plans to repeat its Tinsel Tuesday initiatives that have been staged with mixed results in the past two years.

The idea was developed to replace the late night shopping that had not been regarded as a great success in the past.

Instead on the first three Tuesdays in December there are special Christmas markets that sell gifts and other seasonal items where as many as possible are made locally.

The idea is that the special markets not only generate income for the stall holders but also bring more people into the town so that the shops and other businesses can get more trade.

As well as the stalls there are other events like festive music to help get people in the mood to spend.

In previous years Shropshire Council has provided free parking in its car parks after 2pm on the days when the special markets are held.

However, the Chamber of Trade believes that is too late in the afternoon and that it could make a big difference if the parking charge was waived for the whole day.

With the market usually starting to slow down in the afternoons and with the light fading it is considered that the early part of the day is the best for business.

The Tinsel Tuesday markets this year will be on December 9, 16 and 23. Plans are being prepared to make sure that was many people as possible are aware of the initiative.

Ludlow Town Council supports the special markets and also helps with raising awareness.

The traditional Christmas shopping period in Ludlow starts with the Medieval Fayre and the switching on of the Christmas lights on the last Saturday in November