DROITWICH Spa's Mayor took time out from her duties to chat to the town's market traders.

Councillor Ann Taft visited all the stallholders, who have been getting used to their new site alongside Toyworld off the High Street, last Tuesday.

Most of the stalls used to be housed in the Market Hall. However, since construction work on the new Waitrose supermarket started on this site in January, retailers have had to move and as a result have seen a slump in trade.

Michelle Cowens, who runs the greeting cards kiosk said: "Since work on Waitrose started trade has been terrible.

"A lot of people didn't know we were still here.

"We are hoping to see more people come back down here now the entrance to the new Market Place is finished."

The new kiosks, which sell hot food, greetings cards, computer accessories and second hand goods, are open every day except Sunday.

The other market stalls, which sell kitchenware, haberdashery and electrical items, are open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

All stalls trade between 9am and 4.30pm.

Michelle, who has been one of Droitwich market's longest running traders, said there are stalls available for anyone wishing to join them.

"We would urge anyone who would like a market stall just to come down and see us," she said.

Cllr Taft also welcomed the opening of two new stores in the High Street - Butterfingers kitchenware shop and Little Treasures, which sells clothes for fashion conscious tots.