AFTER weeks of speculation, Boscombe Vintage Market has confirmed a further six months in the Royal Arcade.

The popular market, which has been operating since October 2010, was kicked out of the arcade last month by owners Arnewood Estates, who said they could no longer accommodate it.

At the end of April organisers secured permission to hold the market there for a further two months as a trial period, but now they have six months to further demonstrate its value to the community.

Co-ordinator Sara Cheng said: “Originally they wanted us to switch to Sundays, over a period of three months, but we said we can’t do Sundays and they agreed.

“So we have six months on Saturdays and it will be reviewed at the end of that period.

“We had been looking at other options in case it didn’t work out, but we are pleased to be able to stay in the Royal Arcade, it is a great venue.

“We will have to see how it works out.

“People have been very positive about the news, we are getting quite a lot of supportive comments on Facebook.”

Well-wishers posed messages on the market’s Facebook page, including Trina Hart who wrote: “I should think so too – what on earth else were they going to do with it?

“Ridiculous that you are having to jump through bureaucratic hoops of this nature in our current period of austerity!”

Corrine Hardman posted: “I should think so too. It brings so many more new shoppers into Boscombe.”

Councillor Christopher Wakefield also left a message saying: “Well done. See you at the next one!”

Stallholder Debbie Ward, of Kaotichandbag, said to the Echo: “We are all delighted by the news, absolutely chuffed.

“And we are glad they are showing a commitment to letting us stay. Hopefully it will continue beyond the six months.”

The vintage market takes place on the first Saturday of the month, with the being held this Saturday, June 1, from 10am to 4pm.

A number of stallholders have gone on to start their own businesses, including What Alice Found and Cotton Candy Designs, all in Christchurch Road.

Arnewood Estates again declined to comment on the decision when asked by the Echo.