A MAJOR plan to roll out Eastleigh's popular Thursday and Saturday markets into the main shopping streets could be given a trial run.

It is one of four options which will be considered tonight when councillors debate the possible extension of the markets.

Currently the markets are centred on the Leigh Road pedestrian precinct. As already reported by the Daily Echo, council chiefs believe that extending the market into Market Street would attract more shoppers to the town.

Tonight the Eastleigh Local Area Committee will be asked to consider four options:

Leave the market where it is and do nothing

Leave the market where it is and explore the possibility of providing some form of cover.

Approve the relocation of stalls from the car park to Market Street

Agree to a temporary three-month trial period of extending the market into Market Street.

Councillors will be told that Market Street shopkeepers have been sounded out for their views about closing the street for two days so that the market can run into the main shopping centre.

A total of 80 traders and those living in flats above the shops were consulted. There were 26 responses, of which 11 were in favour and 15 against.

Opponents say there is already insufficient room on the pavements now. There is also a concern that loss of on-street parking will damage trade and stalls outside shops could also affect takings.

Those who support the proposal say it might help to boost business for other shopkeepers.

There was also a suggestion that it would be better to have stalls in Wells Place outside the Swan Centre.

In the report, to be considered by councillors, head of property services John Gregory says that a three-month trial would be enough to determine the safety and viability of extending the street market. He said: "There are a number of concerns raised about the use of Market Street as a site for a street market. To proceed without at least taking these into consideration could place the council at odds with the county council and local traders."