Kentish Express Ashford & District
Market could move to top of town
The council says it is “seriously considering” relocating the town centre market following a meeting with traders.
Stallholders met with council officers last week to discuss moving the market to the upper end of the high street.
It came after traders told the e Kentish Express last month how the market could close for good if a request to move is refused d as they are struggling to earn a living in their current position.
Despite strong objections, traders were forced to move their stalls to the Lowe r High Street in 2008 - shortly after the opening of the County Square extension.
At the time, Debenhams reportedly wanted the top of end of the town cleared of stalls to make the entrance of County Square more attractive.
But now, the market - which sells products including clothes, CDs and fruit - is looking to move back as Debenhams plans to ditch the town in 2020, leaving its huge three-storey shop empty.
In September, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) advised market spokesman Peter Rosson to improve the appearance of stalls and promote the market on social media in order to increase profits.
But after the Kentish Express published its front page story, the council agreed to meet with traders for a second time as the stallholders were dissatisfied with the authority’s initial response.
About 10 traders attended the meeting last week, which was chaired by Cllr Paul Clokie (Con), portfolio holder for regeneration and corporate property.
Mr Rosson, of James Street, said the meeting was “positive”.
“We put forward our proposals and it [the council] is going away to talk about them,” he said.
“We have had a good discussion - it was quite positive.
“Ten stallholders attended and all the market traders that could get there were there.
“We also discussed taking away the bollards and cobbles in the Lower High Street. “They took on board what they had to say, as they did with us.
“We left the meeting pretty sure that everything we wanted o say was put to the councillor. “The market will be looked a t now and we are expecting a de ecision after Christmas.”
A council spokeswoman said th he authority, which initially moved the stalls to the Lower High Street in 2008 for a one
ear e trial period, is continuing to o work with traders.
“We are seriously considering th he views expressed by the market ke stall holders,” she said.
“We have a significant amount of things to consider and will continue to work with the market traders.”
■ Would you like to see the market move back to the top of town? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup. co.uk