THE umbrellas went up and the crowds came out for the first of Liskeard's new produce markets held on The Parade on Saturday.

In spite of the showers throughout most of the day, people seemed determined to make the most of something new for the town, and the opportunity to park for the whole day for £1.

Twenty market traders took stalls from the 24 which the town council has invested in to run the venture every two weeks throughout the year.

They all remarked how busy it was and said they hoped to become regulars in Liskeard.

Ann Murphy, from St Dominick, who was selling her handmade slate ware, said: 'It's really good here and I'm impressed so many people have come out in the rain.'

Town traders Beddoes of Fore Street took up the option to have a stall at the market as well, and reported excellent trade all day.

After the reading of Liskeard's ancient market charter by the town crier Chris Smirthwaite, there was a re-enactment of a Pie Powder Court, which had a large crowd in fits of laughter.

The two main car parks at Westbourne and Upper Sungirt were still 80 per cent full at 3.30pm. A 'snap shot' survey by Cornwall Council showed that the voucher had been used by around 40 per cent of vehicles that were parked at around noon.

Commenting on the success of the market and the £1 parking initiative, mayor Tony Powell confirmed that the town council was formalising the request for a similar concession for future markets.

He said: 'Saturday showed that less is definitely more and the enthusiasm for the market and the town council's plans for a pannier market in the empty Local Plus shop were a

topic of conversation throughout the day.

'We are indebted to Cornwall Council and to Mary Portas for responding to our requests for the concessionary parking and premises for the pannier market. This initiative has given the town council a ringing endorsement for its plans to redevelop our town centre, and we have already made suggestions to Cornwall Council about charges for next year. We are considering taking control of the car parks in the longer term.'

The market organisers, councillors Katrina Dawe and Steve Barrett, said they were delighted with both the first market and the increase in the footfall.

'It was an amazing day for everyone and many of the traders have re-booked for future markets,' they said.

'We are looking forward to the next market on September 22, and to the opening of the pannier market. '

Cornwall councillor and mayoress Jan Powell said: 'The town was buzzing and the comments rewarding. It shows that innovative thinking is the way ahead and I will be looking at how, together with the town council and the community network manager, Steve Foster, similar thinking can be applied to Liskeard as a whole.'

Cornwall Council is now monitoring the impact of the produce market on car park use.

A council spokesperson stated: 'Further investigation is required to get a fuller picture.

'It is understood that Liskeard town council will be requesting a continued trial of the £1 per day offer to coincide with its future markets. Cornwall Council will use the information gathered to assess the request.'