Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Council set to disband historic market
‘A lot of rural villagers attend the market by bus, as there are no train services...’
The break-up of Canterbury market is set to be approved by councillors tonight - despite staunch opposition from traders and residents.
Stallholders who have long operated from the existing high street base are due to be dispersed across a 0.5-mile area of the city, taking up 41 pitches in various locations.
The move - described as a “way of killing off” the market by critics-isto come in at the start of the next year.
Results of a public consultation show how a large share of respondents do not want the market to be broken up, and would rather have traders centred in one hub.
But the council is set to ignore objectors’ pleas and rubber-stamp the changes at a cabinet meeting tonight (Thursday).
Authority bosses believe the shake-up will help “create a really vibrant atmosphere”, with the relocation helping to free up space in the busy area between Fenwick and Metro Bank.
Council leader Ben Fitter-harding is confident the change will be a success and says interest in the newly created pitches is high.
“We’ve already had great interest through the consultation and will market the remaining pitches,” he said.
“A wide variety of traders will be welcomed and we intend to provide gazebos and stalls to help elevate the experience and assist previous market traders, for example, who may not have a suitable stall to use.
“These will complement the street traders who already have approved stalls or trailers.
“The offering will include fruit and veg, coffee, local and international food, desserts, plants, clothing and accessories.
“The reinvigoration of the city’s street trading adds yet another reason for residents and visitors to spend time in the city, enjoying the fayre and trying new things.
“We’re not expecting a significant income change - the priority is curating an interesting and footfall-driving street trading experience that is an asset to the district.”
As it stands the council has a net income budget of £80,700 for street trading, although the figures for the past five years have been below target, with the prediction for 22/23 being £66,200.
A report compiled ahead of the crunch meeting states how dispersing the market “may result in a temporary drop in income, although they are anticipated to create an increase in the longterm”.
Those who took part in the consultation were asked how the council could improve the appearance of street trading in the city.
The top answer was for all stalls to ahere to the same visual standard, and the second most common suggestion was for all of the pitches to remain in the same place.
Steve Bamber, chairman of Canterbury Market Traders Association, previously told the Gazette how the plan to “banish” his stallholders will harm the allure of the city for loyal customers.
In the public consultation, Kingston Parish Council echoed Mr Bamber’s fears, stressing how elderly visitors to Canterbury will be impacted.
“A lot of rural villagers attend the market by bus, as there are no train services,” it said in a statement.
“To place stalls as far away from the bus station as Westgate Towers would mean some shoppers being unable to purchase the items they want to.”
A debate, organised by campaigner Julie Wassmer, on its future will be held tomorrow (Friday) at Canterbury Primary School from 6.30pm.