Market could close as traders face uncertain future
June BickTraders at a Kent market that has been operational for almost 150 years fear it could close after the council announced a potential change in use for the site.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) said it wants to make Lockmeadow in Maidstone, where the market operates on a Tuesday and a Saturday, a destination that can offer "a variety of exciting leisure and cultural experiences".
As part of this it is exploring a number of options, but a spokesperson stressed that traders have not been given notice at this stage.
June Bick, who has operated her stall since 2017, said the market is a "community hub, and has been for years. It's part of Maidstone's history".
Bick said that traders first heard about the proposals via email ahead of a meeting on 7 July.
The MBC spokesperson said that identifying a community based organisation to "take on the Market Hall and Café and use them to their fullest potential" is one of the options being looked at.
Should this proceed, it would "involve giving notice to existing users and the market stall holders".
Councillor Stephen Thompson said this is "not about markets disappearing from Maidstone".
Bick, who has started a petition to save the market, believes the council does not "want stalls that sell second hand goods".
Imploring MBC to change its plans, she said the market is "one of the top five in Kent" and is ultimately a money-maker.
Council documents revealed that Rockmeadow, which also includes a leisure centre and cinema among other facilities, is budgeted to generate net income of around £1 million in the current financial year.
The document states: "Whilst the financial position at Lockmeadow is strong and its overall performance is improving, it has much more potential as a destination that can offer a range of leisure and cultural experiences and contribute positively to Maidstone's Town Centre."
A council meeting will be held on Monday to discuss the plans.
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