MALTON’S weekly market is to move back to its former home.

The market will move to Market Place East, between the old town hall and the post office, from this Saturday.

Moving the market is part of Visit Malton director Tom Naylor Leyland’s vision for thinking about the market place in a different way and encouraging people to stay longer in the town centre.

The move has also been warmly welcomed by the businesses in Market Place East.

Parking restrictions on Saturday from 5am to 5pm will swap from Market Place West, in front of St Michael’s Church, to Market Place East and will result in a net gain of parking places in Market Place West.

Andrew Riley, of The Market Managers, said: “We’re delighted the weekly market will be returning to its original site in Market Place East from this Saturday.

“The market has been steadily growing over the last few months and now has a good selection of regular stalls with something for everyone.”

Mr Riley added: “We believe this change in location will really help to encourage more shoppers to come and give it a try.”

Mr Naylor Leyland said: “The Malton Community Interest Company (Malton CIC) is very pleased to see the traditional Saturday market continue to flourish, the market traders and local shops all believe this is the right move and we are more than happy to make this happen for them.”

Other initiatives include Street Food Sunday with last weekend’s first event being hailed a success by the organisers, the Malton CIC.

Street Food Sundays is a new initiative from the Malton CIC, the organisation which provides free parking in the town centre and runs the annual Food Lovers Festival, the Harvest Food Festival and the Malton Monthly Food Markets.

Held on the first Sunday in June, July and August, Malton’s al fresco dining area becomes a place to enjoy Sunday lunch from a changing line up of street food vendors.

Mr Naylor Leyland said: “The event transformed the Market Place into a relaxed family meeting and eating place.

“With the amazingly successful launch of ‘Street Food Sundays’ at the beginning of June, Market Place East is enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment and there is a really good vibe as we encourage people to stop by and enjoy all that is on offer in the heart of Malton’s market place.”