The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed plans for a ‘Love Your Local Market’ fortnight, an idea inspired by Mary Portas’ high street review.

Under the initiative, to be held this summer, stalls will be available for £10 a day in an effort to promote markets and help people get on the business ladder, while ‘market mentors’ will be on hand to offer advice. The move mirrors Portas’ recommendations for markets to become the test beds for prospective shopkeepers and for a national day to promote markets.

ACS public affairs director Shane Brennan said: “Market initiatives have their role to play. Convenience stores can benefit from increased footfall and the added theatre involved.”

The initiative was endorsed by communities secretary Eric Pickles, who said: “I’m delighted that national market groups have responded swiftly to the call by Mary Portas.” But Brennan urged the government to take its own action on some of Portas’ recommendations, especially her recommendations that out-of-town retail developments be rejected unless ‘truly exceptional’.

The Love Your Local Market fortnight will be held from June 23 to July 8.