Communities across Wiltshire are being consulted on whether they would like an open air market in their area.

Wiltshire Council is initially asking people from the Westbury, Tisbury and Trowbridge areas if they would use a market as plans are afoot to expand on the success of the markets already in place throughout the county.

An online and paper consultation asks people's opinions on whether they would use a market, how frequent it would need to be, what types or products they would like to see and what location would be best within their area.

Dick Tonge, cabinet member with responsibility for markets, said: "We want people to tell us if they think having a market in their area is a good idea and would be well used.

"Markets can have many positives such as giving entrepreneurs the chance to start selling their wares and creating a community buzz in a town.

"We want as many people as possible to come back and tell us their thoughts and this feedback will help direct future decisions on markets."

Wiltshire Council's markets team has already held discussions with a number of town and parish councils in relation to establishing new markets in Wiltshire.

Over the next two weeks paper copies of the market survey will be sent to residents in Westbury and surrounding villages to establish if demand exists and if a market would be supported.

There are also plans for surveys to be distributed in Trowbridge and Tisbury.

The survey will also be available online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/new-market-survey.htm for people throughout the county to make their views known. The deadline for comments is June 30.

Wiltshire Council is offering would-be entrepreneurs, schools and charities an opportunity to try out being a market stall holder for free on Friday, June 29, at Devizes Market Place. Setting up of stalls will be from 8am with trading from 9am to 5pm.

For more information and to book a stall, call Tom Ince on 01380 734639.