Market boss upbeat despite losing 40-year home

The boss of a market, which is being forced to relocate after 40 years, says he believes it could emerge "bigger and better" in a new location.

Approval was granted in July for Unity Holidays to build indoor and outdoor sports facilities on its land, which is currently occupied by Skirlington Market in Skipsea.

Market director Tom Parry described having to leave the site as a "massive shame".

However, he said a number of landowners had contacted him after viewing coverage of the market's plight online and on TV, offering some sites which he said could be better.

Parry said there had been strong public backing for the market, including a petition signed by more than 13,000 people.

"But we lost the planning battle and we've run out of options to fight it and stay," he said.

However, Parry said: "You get bogged down when you are fighting something, and you don't stand up and look at the bigger picture and think what else is out there.

"It's just so nice for people to get in touch with offers of a new home - saying 'we'd love to have you'," he added.

He said the holiday park owners had also been helpful during recent discussions and had offered support with relocating the market.

The final market day is expected to be Sunday 25 October.

Parry said while it was the end of an era, both sides needed to move forward.

"At the end of the day, we get it. It's the campsite's land and they want to develop it. But, at the same time, it had become our home for 40 years," he said.

Parry added that, after a long period of uncertainty and negativity, he was more optimistic for the future.

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