A TRADER has welcomed a £300,000 programme of investment in Oxford’s Covered Market.

Sandie Griffith, who runs Jemini flower shop in the historic market, said although the city council funding would not pay for a major revamp, it would help to ensure the building does not fall into disrepair.

The council owns the market and the funding is being made available from April as part of the local authority’s capital programme.

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Some work, as part of a Covered Market Action Plan led by market manager Elaine Philip, has already been completed, including lighting improvements.

Now more money will be spent on further improvements, including new gates at the High Street entrances.

Ms Griffith, who is secretary of the Covered Market Traders’ Association, said: “It’s good news that the council is investing in the market in this way.

“It keeps it viable and buoyant, but we still need to do more promotion.’’