More money will be pumped into promoting the city’s weekly markets after the council revealed it would increase the annual budget to £20,000.

The move, that will see a publicity campaign for both markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, follows feedback from a survey of regular market traders who called for more marketing and promotion.

Community engagement and localism portfolio holder, Cllr Beric Read, said: “The markets attract visitors to our city and they spend money elsewhere in St Albans.

“The council has increased the budget with the aim of raising their profile and boosting footfall.

“We are also taking other steps to improve and develop the markets so that they continue to contribute to the vibrancy of our city centre.”

The council will also look at recruiting traders for products not currently sold while steps have been taken to introduce a food quarter at the Wednesday market.

The issue of better lighting, which traders also flagged up, will be included in any future plans for the markets.