A family run market will change its opening hours later this month as it continues to move with the times.

The Wood Street indoor market in Walthamstow has been a fixture in the area since 1978.

Julie Davis and Chris Langbridge who run the place took over the market from their fathers, business partners Tony Davis and Les Langbridge, two years ago

Miss Davis said: “It’s changed a lot over the last 35 years. When our dads started the focus was on traditional antiques.

“Now we have all sorts of stuff down here – vintage vinyl, clothing, you name it. We have a lot of really offbeat traders. It’s got a cool, young vibe about it now.

“There’s a great new café, the Heart Wood Café, just opened. It’s really thriving.”

Traditionally the market has been open Monday to Saturday, but from June 16 it will open Tuesday to Sunday.

Miss Davis explained: “People like to shop on a Sunday, so it makes more sense to open for the whole weekend.

“Mondays are a bit quiet really, so I think all the traders will be happy with the new hours.”

The fact that nearby parking is free on a Sunday also influenced her decision.

She said: “Although there are two free one-hour spaces outside the Marlow Road entrance, it’s free everywhere on a Sunday which will make it easier for shoppers to get here."

“A lot of high street traders are struggling.

"Here people aren’t faced with the business rates that high street stores have to pay. They get small business rate relief.”

That, coupled with the fact that traders can rent a single unit for as little as £220 a month with just one month’s deposit, makes it easier for new businesses to get a foothold.

Julie said: “Quite a few people down the years have started here before moving to permanent premises elsewhere.

“We have a waiting list of people wanting to come down. I think with the new hours of operation we’ll go from strength to strength.”