A NEW Friday market operating in Brentwood High Street has been hailed an absolute success.

The market, run by Essex Farmers Markets, selling an array of goods, from clothes and jewellery, to fish and fresh produce, started last week to complement the market, which the organisation already runs in the town on Saturdays.

Friday’s good weather ensured the first day of trading was a success.

Councillor David Kendall, who chairs the business and town centre committee, said: “The general feedback is that it went well. It will be a regular thing on Fridays.

“It’s very positive and part of a general market offering that is being developed for the town. It’s exciting times.”

In addition to the Friday and Saturday markets, an arts and crafts market is set to start in Crown Street and the business and town centre committee is looking at introducing a T Market – a market run by youngsters – a night- time market and a Christmas market.

These plans will be discussed at a meeting next week.

Mr Kendall added: “We’re trying to attract more shoppers to the town. Markets give a greater variety of products.”