TEIGNMOUTH could soon have its own indoor market.

The aim is to attract more shoppers into the town, give budding retailers a cheap way to start trading, and create up to 100 new jobs.

The ambitious scheme has been drawn up by a new company that has acquired the lease of the ground floor at the former London Hotel premises in Bank Street.

'There is 3,600ft of space, and enough room for up to 40 stalls. It is an exciting project, and if we can pull in extra customers to Teignmouth, it would benefit existing businesses as well,' said cafe owner Colin Authers, spokesman for Your Local Market Ltd.

The ground floor would need to be gutted to accommodate the stalls, at a cost of around £70,000, but Mr Authers, who runs Smilers at the Carlton Theatre, said the finance was available.

'Starting rents for a small stall would be from £50 a week, which would help a lot of people start up in business without the commitment of high overheads.

'We are asking for people interested in coming into the market to contact us, and so far there has been a great deal of positive interest.

'An undercover market could bring a lot more people into Teignmouth, just as it does in Newton Abbot. Once they are in the town, many of them would wander around and look at other shops, so they will benefit as well.'

The scheme would not need planning consent, because the premises are already classed as retail use. If there is not enough support for the market, Mr Authers said the space would probably be converted into a large discount store 'selling a whole range of different goods.'

More information on the market can be had from Mr Authers on 01626 772783.