An historic sight will return to Stevenage High Street next month after final approval was given for a market – fifteen years after it was first mooted.

The application to the borough council to move the current farmer’s market behind The White Lion pub across the High Street to the former Market Place – between numbers 29 and 35a - was granted by the borough council last week.

With a history going back to 1223, it will be the first time a market has been held in the street since 1961, when it moved to the new town.

Hugh Madgin, member of Stevenage farmer’s market committee which applied for the move, said it will help bring the High Street back to being a focal point for the town, and praised those involved.

“The enthusiasm of the public, councillors and council officers for the move to the historic market location has been terrific.

“Fifteen years after the idea of bringing a market back to the High Street was first raised, the Market Place will live again.

The first market will be held on August 11 and then on the second Saturday of every other month. If there is enough demand it will be held monthly.