Established in 1934, the market was immediately popular with the community and has remained so ever since.

"But for the next six months the retail market, short of a war, should remain on a healthy track."

"The bottom line is that the market has remained competitive," he said.

The town's markets continue to steadily decline, but remain in operation.

Once a bustling market, now shops remain empty most of the time.

However, the traditional markets still remain in many of the country's largest cities.

"The market has remained within this 2,900 to 3,050 range because there is a debate going on," he said.

If the plan works, in other words, within 10 years only half the market will remain.

The market remains well below the level of last week, having fallen 6.7 percent on Monday.

Financial markets were also closed, and would remain until 3 August.