Business is picking up at New Watford Market but traders believe more could still be done to attract new shoppers.

Market traders pleaded for residents to give the new-look £2m market a chance after a slow start following the relocation from Charter Place.

Dan Crawley - who runs the Meanwhile, Across Town comic stall - said footfall has improved but believes Watford Borough Council could still do more to encourage shoppers to visit the Beechen Grove market.

He said: "We have seen a spike at the weekends, it is clearly getting better but we would expect that at this time of year. But weekdays we are still struggling. It’s not as busy as we would like.

"Once people are here I think most people really like the market - but it is getting people here in the first place, as signage is inadequate.

"The council has put one new illuminated sign up, which is great, but more is needed around the rest of the town to point people here. It is people changing their habits."

The authority said back-lit signs costing £15,000 were being erected on the flyover, with others already installed on the approach from Clarendon Road, Beechen Grove, The Parade and on a roof facing the ring road.

The Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill was forced to defend the opening of the market and its facilities - including the lift which was out of order at the October launch - following concerns raised by Labour councillors at Full Council meeting last week. 

She said: "Some people tell me how much they like the market and others say it’s not like it used to be.

"The idea was to appeal to new and different people, so regular users of the market will clearly find more of a difference.

"Were there teething problems? Yes. But let’s remember there was a push from the traders for a move. There are some traders doing very well and others that are doing less well than they thought.

"It will take time. It was exactly the same when the market moved to Charter Place. We took a punt, we’ve done the best we could and the outstanding issues will be addressed."

The Mayor revealed there is just one shipping container-inspired unit left to let on the market, which will be reviewed after Christmas.