STAINES market is set to be taken over by a private bidder following a council decision earlier this week.
The town's market has been run by Spelthorne Borough Council since November 2011 after the authority terminated the contract of the previous supplier.
But the council has admitted this has led to a poorer service and meant council officers were forced to work long hours.
At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday night (November 20) the authority agreed to contract out the running of stalls on the council's behalf.
The contract, which will be in place for a minimum of three years, will require the successful supplier to manage the day-to-day activities associated with running the market including setting up of stalls, handling stall holder enquiries, advertising the market, introducing new traders and supervising trading licenses.
Cllr Nick Gething, Spelthorne Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: "The market in Staines-upon-Thames has been very successful and provides an important income stream for the Council.
"It is also popular with residents who appreciate the diversity and choice which it offers.
"This approval from Cabinet now offers the opportunity to negotiate the best possible deal for the Council and secure arrangements for the market for a number of years to come."
The market currently operates in the town's High Street every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Stalls offer a wide range of items including fruit and vegetables, flowers, sweets, fast food, luggage, jewellery and clothes.
