YORK’S market has reopened under a new name following completion of the latest phase of a £1.6 million refurbishment.

Shambles Market has new-look stalls and kiosks and improved weatherproofing and lighting.

A dozen new traders have already signed up for regular pitches and a number of existing traders have requested extra space to expand their businesses.

Seven new-style kiosks, which are already oversubscribed, will open in the New Year with a mix of hot food outlets and products ranging from watch and watch repairs through olive oil to body art.

Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at City of York Council, said the new traders would sell quilts and linens, woodcarvings and daily chinaware as well as beads and crafting materials.

The full works are expected to be finalised in the spring.

Stallholder Paula Hind, who runs Sheila’s Fruit and Veg stall with her husband David, said the revamp still had a long way to go, saying some parts of the market were very untidy and some stalls were under ‘grubby’ temporary gazebos.