The popular market in Swindon’s town centre will continue despite the demise of the inSwindon BID organisation which runs it.

The news was confirmed at a meeting of Swindon Borough Council's growing the economy overview and scrutiny committee on Thursday, where it was also confirmed that at least £40,000 of Swindon Borough Council’s money will be ringfenced for improvements in the town centre.

Members of the committee quizzed the cabinet member for the town centre experience, Matty Courtliff, over what will happen after the inSwindon BID shuts up shop at the end of March.

He said that much of the work of the inSwindon team would be carried out by the council instead.

Senior council officer Dave Dewart added the £40,000 the council paid as its levy on its town centre buildings to the BID would be used to continue improvements, including the 144 hanging baskets that are installed from early April, and which are maintained through to the end of September.

The raised beds at Newbridge Square will continue to be maintained, as will the bunting and flags at Havelock Square and Theatre Square, and the tree lights at Wharf Green and Theatre Square will continue to be maintained. Litter picking, street cleaning and graffiti removal will continue.

Coun Courtliff said: “We’re still getting to the bottom of everything inSwindon did, so this report will be updated.”

Lydiard & Freshbrook councillor Sean Wilson asked about the market. He said: "In my ward in west Swindon if you ask people whether they have a reason to go into the town centre the answer is not.

"Except for the market, people will go to the centre for that. Will that be carrying on?”

Coun Courtliff was unequivocal: “Yes. I love the market. And I grew up in a northern market town and when I was at university a market was a great place for students to get fresh vegetables and meat cheaply.”

Coun Courtliff added that his team has already been working with the market operators to help – allowing traders to park for £1 all day on market days and moving the site of the market from Wharf Green to The Parade to increase visibility and footfall.

He said: ”These things have all helped. So yes, the market will continue.”