Leek's outdoor market will be returned to its traditional home on the town's Market Place, the local council leader has announced.

The Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, who has recently taken on responsibility for the markets within Staffordshire Moorlands as part of her portfolio, has instructed that be returned to Market Place.

Plans have been announced for stall holders to once again trade from the cobbles in a move which will also allow for new traders to join the thriving Wednesday outdoor market. Spaces for additional stalls are limited under existing arrangements.

The market will also trade from Sparrow Park continuing to offer the option for product lines to be traded from each location.

As the Market Place is a larger space, the plan is to increase the number of traders stalls to occupy the full Market Place during 2022.

Councillor Ralphs said: "Markets have been held in Leek for hundreds of years and the Market Place is the historic heart of the town so I'm pleased that it will once again welcome traders and shoppers to the weekly outdoor market and other specialist markets.

"I'm a big fan of markets and the vibrancy and life they bring to our towns. Like so many people, I enjoy browsing the variety of goods that traders offer and buying items that you sometimes only find at markets.

"Here in the Moorlands, markets will be a key part of the recovery from the pandemic as people return to our streets and spend time in our towns. The Leek markets continue to thrive and restoring stalls to the cobbles will only add to the appeal for shoppers who can come and experience the atmosphere of a long-established market town.

"It also means we can continue to offer opportunities to new start-up businesses and entrepreneurs to ensure the continued success of the market. I look forward to seeing this traditional scene return to Leek and to welcoming new traders in due course."

Arrangements are now being made which should see stalls back in the Market Place in the coming weeks.

Potential stall holders can find out more by emailing [email protected]