CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn New Milton into Hampshire's newest market town have been given the go-ahead.

New Milton Town Council has received consent to hold a Wednesday market in Station Road for a six-month trial period, starting in April.

The application had been opposed by a large number of objectors, including supporters of an existing Wednesday market in Ringwood.

They claimed that the town's economy would suffer if another major market was held in the area on the same day of the week.

Many New Milton traders had also objected to the proposal, saying it would increase the serious shortage of parking places in the town centre.

However the application was approved at a meeting yesterday of New Forest District Council's general purposes and licensing committee.

Copythorne councillor Derek Tipp was one of the few members who expressed reservations.

He said: "One of my big concerns is the car parking situation - something a lot of the shopkeepers refer to in their objections. The market aims to increase the number of people who visit New Milton and for that to happen there must be sufficient parking."

Fordingbridge member Bob Hale said any problems could be resolved with a combination of highway management and common sense.

Town clerk Graham Flexman welcomed the committee's decision to approve the new market.

He said: "It's wonderful news and a great opportunity for New Milton to progress and prosper. It will put the town on the map."

The event will be managed by Southern Market Traders, which already runs similar events in Southampton, Eastleigh and Christchurch.

Chief executive Paul Lewis said: "It will be a continental-style market, with special canopies to make it more attractive, and will have the best quality traders that there are.

"I guarantee it will increase the number of people who visit New Milton on Wednesdays."