AN open market is returning to Upton this summer for the first time in more than 20 years.

The general market with a variety of stalls will take place on the Hanley Road car park.

It will be be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8am to 4pm, and be run by Mark Oakes, a market trader of 35 years' experience.

A launch date has yet to be decided but it is expected to be some time within the next two months.

Mr Oakes, who lived in Upton for 17 years before moving to Malvern three months ago, said he was sure the market would be good for the town.

"It will be a general market with a butcher, a baker and candlestick maker," he said. "There hasn't been a market in Upton for at least 20 years. It's crying out for it. The car park's there and it's doing nothing.

"It's a market town and it should have a market. It will bring people into the town."

Mr Oakes was given permission by Malvern Hills District Council to hold a market two years ago but has waited until now to go ahead with the project.

He said that the market would close while the various festivals were taking place in the town.

Bill Dovey, chairman of the Tourism and Trade Association, said he reserved judgment on whether the market would benefit the town.

"It has been on the cards for some time and he fought to get permission for it," he said.

"Some think it will do good and bring people in but others think that people will simply go to the market to do their shopping and leave without visiting the rest of the town."

Mr Oakes said anyone wanting information about the market should contact him on 01684 579181 or 07890 367660.

Deputy mayor Eric White said he had voted against granting permission for the market as a district councillor. He thought market stalls would compete with, rather than complement, existing businesses.

"I don't think it will bring any more people into the town to spend money," he said.