Plans to enhance Epsom’s status as a market town are to get under way after it was revealed it could soon have its own town centre manager.

The idea for the post came about after it was revealed the management of Epsom Market is to be given back to the borough when Surrey Chamber of Commerce’s current contract ends on March 31.

Epsom and Ewell council has previously paid Surrey Chamber of Commerce £22,000 a year to run the market on its behalf but this will now be done in-house.

The concept of a town centre manager was put forward at a strategy and resources committee meeting on January 25.

Councillor Alison Kelly said: “There's a very poor interface with local shops and businesses, so as well as running the market, it could provide a much-needed contact point on matters such as parking, recycling, christmas decorations and other matters.”

RA councillor Jean Smith said: “This is very much in the pipeline, but I can’t say much more than that.

“I am very much in favour of the idea, because I think the town does need someone to help co-ordinate it.”

Councillor Keith Mann, chairman of the committee, said: “The council is keen to see the market flourish and prosper. With the Council managing the market we wish to enhance the whole aspect of Epsom as a market town.”

The running of the Thursday and Saturday market is to be managed by the council from April 2011 and the Sunday farmers market will continue to be administered by Surrey Markets Ltd.