ANDOVER market has begun to smarten up. The move comes after a traders' co-operative took notice of recent hard-hitting criticism of the twice-weekly event.

Paul Beirne, secretary of the newly-formed Andover co-operative which is affiliated to the National Market Traders' Federation, said some owners had already moved their vans away from the High Street site and there were hopes that every stall would have a green and white striped awning and bear the name of the trader and the pitch number to make it easier for customer identification in case of any complaints.

The improvements have been reported to Test Valley Borough Council, responsible for the markets' operation.

"One of the greatest drawbacks is that the co-operative is not in charge, there is still no authority, we cannot enforce or make anything happen," Mr Beirne added.

"But if the council does decide that an outside operator should take over, we will be in a good position to tender. "Andover market is operating but it could be made slightly better."