TRADERS in Wantage said they would be willing to open on Sundays following campaign group Wantage Rejuvenated’s launch event which attracted hundreds of people.

Wantage Rejuvenated, formed to boost the town’s vibrancy, said Sunday’s Market Place craft fair had boosted trade for those usually shut on a Sunday.

Now those traders said they were likely to open regularly on Sundays.

Linda Hatter, who owns Top Hatters Gift Boutique in Mill Street, said: “I did 500 per cent more trade on Sunday than I did on a Sunday last year.

“I was constantly busy. Lots of people visited from outside the town which is what Wantage Rejuvenated is trying to encourage.

“For Top Hatters, it was as good as a Saturday, which is my busiest day of the week.

“I used to open on a Sunday up until Christmas last year when I had to close as it was not viable to keep the shop open. I will continue to open on Sundays now.”

The campaign group, which was formed in April, is made up of nine members of the town’s chamber of commerce.

It wants to encourage Sunday trading, brighten up empty shops with artwork and lobby landlords to lower rents.

Aben Allal, manager of Le Petit Pain, in Market Place, said: “I was busy.

“I will open Sundays and see how it goes.”

The owner of The India Shop, who did not want to be named, said trade had been very positive.

Wantage Rejuvenated, which has received backing from the town council invited Wantage and Didcot MP Ed Vaizey to open the event.

Stallholders sold a range of goods including jewellery, cards, ceramics, fossils and clocks, luxury fudge and books.

Town mayor Patrick O’Leary said several of the stallholders had expressed an interest in returning for another event. He said: “It was absolutely fabulous, a very positive event.”

Wantage councillor Jenny Hannaby said: “I was quite amazed with the continual flow of people it attracted. There were hundreds there.”

The Federation of Small Businesses launched its Shop Local Campaign at the event. Wantage Rejuvenated said it was determined to make its first event a success after a national newspaper published an article describing Wantage as an ailing town.

Mrs Hatter, who is chairman of the group, said: “The craft fair was well supported and a great success. The group is definitely going in the right direction to help improve Wantage.”

One visitor to the event Eddie Allen, of Wantage, said: “It was a really well organised day.”