Kentish Express Ashford & District
Farmers’ market hits trade, say cafe owners
‘I’m just sitting there watching them doing the trade’
Cafe and restaurant owners in Ashford’s Lower High Street have voiced concerns over the impact the town centre’s monthly farmers’ market has on their trade.
Business owners say the market – which celebrated its second birthday on Sunday – damages their takings and cuts footfall each time it sets up.
Cafe Express owner Shen Sen says his business loses £500 a day on average every time the farmers’ market takes place.
The businessman said: “It’s not really a farmers’ market because they’re bringing all the catering as well.
“They bring their own tables and chairs and they’re moving our tables and chairs. It’s not acceptable and it’s affecting our trade.”
Mr Sen said that restaurants in that part of the High Street have had enough, adding: “I think the whole idea is to help the local businesses, especially in the Lower High Street. But instead of helping us, they’re affecting us.
“We’re not getting any benefits, we’re losing out.”
Sahin Cigdem, a partner in The Gorge restaurant, said that parking spaces are also an issue.
He said: “Where there is parking, they’re selling chips from the van. It’s cost nothing for them, they’re not paying rates, they’re not paying rent.
“It’s getting worse and worse every year.”
Ahmet Turker, manager of the Fountain Kebab, said: “To be honest I think it is a waste of time, a waste of space… a waste of everything.
“I’m just sitting there watching them doing the trade, which is not enough for the town as it is anyway.
“We’ve fought for so long with the council to make this area free for parking and they’re invading all the parking spaces so nobody can come in and out of town as usual. People who’ve lived in Ashford for a long time can remember what the Sunday market was like when it was down at the other side of the town.
“There was something for everybody.
“If they can bring something like that into the town that will bring people into the town, that’s fine.”
The farmers’ market operates on the first Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm.
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk