AFTER a well-deserved break for Christmas, the organisers of Milford Haven street market are looking forward to another successful season of trading.

Encouraged by the response to its December dates – all of which were accompanied by a host of festive treats, from mulled wine and mince pies to a reindeer rodeo – market manager Byron Jenkins is already working with stallholders on plans for 2015.

“We made an effort to try and bring people into the town over Christmas,” said Mr Jenkins.

The festive-themed markets were made possible thanks to donations from Milford Haven Business Circle (MHBC), the Port of Milford Haven, Milford Haven Town Council and local businesses.

“Throughout December we had mulled wine and mince pies, a free face painter, Santa providing free sweets and gifts, a magician, VW campers for people to have pictures with, a bouncy castle, a rodeo reindeer, and stone-fired pizzas,” said Mr Jenkins.

“Each of the days saw a good flow of people coming into the market, however our best day and most successful day was Saturday, December 20, without a doubt.

“All our traders were happy and we even had people from around the county visiting.”

Sadly, due to stallholders having commitments elsewhere, Mr Jenkins had to cancel the market for January 3 at the last minute.

But Mr Jenkins added that, since it was established in July, this was only the second date that had been cancelled – not bad for a fledgling weekly market.

“The market team has been working hard to make sure the markets have been as much of a success as they can be; even spending money from their own pockets, in order to provide that little extra for the town and the market alike,” said Mr Jenkins.

Mr Jenkins also thanked Keith Parr, of Scales and Tales, and Cllr Guy Woodham, without whose “extra effort” the market would not have gone ahead, and Mike Edwards and Chris Turner, for their help in erecting and dismantling the stalls.

“All three members of the market team have had to take time from their businesses or jobs - even closing their businesses at times - to be at market-related meetings during the week,” he said.

“Running the market really is a full-time job for all involved from finding traders to finances, putting the market up and the layout, to the daily questions and telephone calls.”

The market team is now working with stallholders, MHBC and other local traders on how to evolve the market and “improve footfall for everyone”.

Milford Haven Market is set to re-start no later than Saturday, February 7, however Mr Jenkins has said if enough traders are willing, it will re-open this Saturday, January 10.

The market still has some spaces available, from just £5 a stall, and anyone interested should email milfordmarket@outlook.com.