A POPULAR Christmas market in Usk will be allowed to expand to create a “more accessible” event this year.

Annual permission for 178 trading pitches across the town was approved by Monmouthshire County Council’s licensing committee on Tuesday.

Usk Town Council already had permission for 42 pitches but a typo meant that they had applied for only two spaces in Twyn Square – 50 fewer than they needed.

READ MORE: Typo leaves Usk council seeking more trading space for market

The revised application also sought permission to establish 86 pitches at Maryport South Street which will be transformed into a “winter wonderland” for the Usk Christmas Festival.

“We had some interest in creating a winter wonderland zone in Maryport Street South car park,” said Usk town councillor Jan Richards.

“We have a very popular reindeer parade on the Sunday. In recent y ears that concluded at Sessions House, opposite the car park, and it’s become very congested and difficult.

“The kids are very desperate to see both the reindeers and Santa. Part of our intent for Maryport Street is to provide less of a bottleneck there and provide more entertainment and activities.”

The committee heard that the council had launched a survey asking what needed to be done differently after last year’s event.

The council plan to spread the market across the town from Twyn Square, which has served as the event’s main hub, with park and ride facilities available throughout the event on December 1 and 2.

Cllr Richards said: “By having Twyn Square only as the venue, it restricted some of the local businesses in terms of their access to their own properties.

“But also we wanted to make it more accessible for more people, to spread congestion more safely across town and to have good marshalling and traffic management.”

Councillor Tony Easson raised concerns about the park and ride facility and parking in general, with both Twyn Square and Maryport Street South facilities closed for the event.

Cllr Richards maintained that road closures to service pitches at both sites and the reindeer parade were “well-rehearsed”.

The town council have applied to use County Hall’s car park for a park and ride point and are considering using Usk RFC’s increased hardstanding, with Cllr Richards adding that they a single site is preferred.

Councillor Jane Pratt said: “I think it’s great that you’re revitalising the high street and having this brilliant event, I certainly would want to support you in any way.”