A TRADER who used to be based in the Tented Market has moved his business to brand new premises in Ferndale Road.

Gareth Britten, who owns mattress firm Sleep on It, has high hopes for his business at the start of what he hopes will be a brand new chapter.

He has been trading from the Tented Market for the past six years. But after the decision to demolish and develop the site, Gareth was left looking for a new home.

And on Saturday he officially opened his new store next to Bryan Turner’s Butchers in Ferndale Road.

Gareth, who first set up the business in 2009, said: “The location of the tented market, being right in the town centre, was great, but with it being closed I was forced to find new premises.

“But I think I’ve picked a good location. It’s quite close to town and convenient for most people. There are plenty of other businesses nearby and I’m sure I will be able to keep hold of a lot of customers.

“We want people to know that, even though we are not in the Tented Market anymore, we are still open for business.”

Developers NC Architects earlier this year won a planning battle to build shops and restaurants on the site of the Tented Market.

But it has since been revealed that they want to replace it with an 11 storey scheme which will include 95 flats.

The market first opened in 1994 and was home to many small businesses and cafes.

“I was really happy in the Tented Market, but the building wasn’t in very good condition and had a lot to be desired,” said Gareth.

“But it’s a family business and I wanted to keep it going.

“It’s the start of a new chapter and we are all really positive about the future.”

Gareth plans to hold regular giveaways on Saturdays to get as many people in the shop as possible.

Sleep on It is at number 233A Ferndale Road and it is open 10am until 5pm six days a week.