TRADERS noticed a soar in profits after Colchester Market moved to a new venue.

The Saturday market, which used to be in the High Street, moved to Lion Walk shopping centre for the first time this weekend.

A dozen stalls took up the first opportunity to trial the new location, which covered the area around Culver Street East.

Lion Walk centre manager Martin Leatherdale toured the stalls with Martin Goss, Colchester councillor in charge of the market.

Traders said it was a huge success.

Celia Cole, from the Polka Dot Cake Company, said she took a month’s takings in one day.

She usually takes £70 but on Saturday she took £350.

She said: “It was a fantastic market and there was amazing organisation from the Lion Walk team.

“It was great for unloading and loading at the end of the day.

“There was easy parking in Priory Street and then it was easy driving back to the site. We don’t have to struggle with all the High Street traffic. Traffic flow is so much better for the customers.”

John Harrison, from Birch Gallery, said it was lovely to speak to customers.

He said: “It’s a lot busier and people have more time to speak. I’m really enjoying the new interaction and could get a few orders from it.

“It’s amazing to be able to communicate with the customers.”