Plans to revive Cromer's flagging weekly market by moving it into the heart of the town centre are being welcomed by shopkeepers.The idea is to switch the venue from the Meadow car park to Tucker Street next to the parish church.

Plans to revive Cromer's flagging weekly market by moving it into the heart of the town centre are being welcomed by shopkeepers.

The idea is to switch the venue from the Meadow car park to Tucker Street next to the parish church.

Townsfolk will be able to have their say on the suggestion during a consultation period running until the summer.

Early reaction to the idea sees support from the shops, but concerns from taxi drivers, whose rank could have to be moved.

The proposals, which have been put forward by mayor Phil Harris, also suggest incorporating a farmer's market - either alongside the relocated market or in the WI Hall, which the council is now taking on as a new community centre.

Cromer's market has seen a steady decline in both the number of stalls and the number of visitors in recent years, with only six stalls remaining.

Mr Harris described it as a “downward spiral” saying that if people are not going to the market then the stall holders will not want set up shop there.

“We want to try and put on a market that people in Cromer will go and support,” he said.

By moving the market from the car park, more parking spaces would be available on a Friday and it should also benefit the shopkeepers, he claimed.

If there is an enthusiastic response in the survey then Mr Harris says that it could be up and running in six months, with the town council hoping to take over responsibility for running the market.

Businesses on Tucker Street were enthusiastic about the proposals.

Linda Duvall, owner of the The Discount Book & Jigsaw Co Ltd, said: “We need something to bring people back into the town.”

Gary Dudley, owner of Dudley's Bakery, said: “I suppose it wouldn't do me any harm, if it brings more people into the area.”

But taxi driver, Dave Watts of My Taxi, was not so enthusiastic.

He said: “If they want to kill us off totally then move us. Budgens is where most people are.”

The public consultation will begin with a questionnaire launched at this Thursday's annual town meeting and continue until July.