THE OPERATION of Stroud Farmers' Market, which runs every Saturday at the Cornhill Market Square and neighbouring streets, is going out for tender.

The multi-award winning market was set up with support from Stroud District Council in 1999 as a monthly market and is now run every week by the current operator. It is regarded as an important economic draw for Stroud.

The current licence for the market runs out in March 2014 so the council will shortly be inviting bids from potential operators to run it.

A SDC spokesman said this ensures value for money for the council tax payer and provides the best possible market for the area.

The council will begin its competitive tendering process at the end of November.

Anyone requiring further information should email estates.admin@stroud.gov.uk or call 01453 754433.