SWANLEY’S popular Wednesday market will be run by a new company from next week.

Wembley-based firm Wendy Fair Markets have been behind the bustling midweek market for 13 years but entered liquidation in July last year.

After Sevenoaks District Council tendered the contract to run the market, Middlesex-based market and boot sale organiser Ritagate Ltd were selected as the new operator for the next five years.

They will pay the council £260,000 per year to run the 60-stall market, which is £5,000 less than Wendy Fair Markets were previously paying.

Swanley White Oak ward Councillor Janet Sargeant told councillors at the cabinet meeting on March 7 she hoped the new contract would “bring a breath of fresh air” to the market.

She told News Shopper: “I said I had been made aware by local residents, over quite a few months, the market had lost its usual buzz.

“I explained at the meeting I was not really sure what residents meant by this exactly.

“However I was pleased to be able to support the recommendations that a new company had been awarded the Swanley market contract and I hope that this will bring a breath of fresh air to the town.”

Original organiser Wendy Fair Markets offered to pay the council £276,000 a year for the tender, but an evaluation exercise carried out by cabinet members chose in favour of Ritagate.

Sevenoaks District Council says there will be no break in Wednesday markets during the handover.

The council’s cabinet member for value for money Councillor Brian Ramsay says: “Our local markets provide excellent value and choice that complement our local shops and bring extra trade into our town centres.

“We are very pleased to have secured their future for the next five years for the benefit our local residents and our local retail economy.”

The Wednesday and Sunday markets in Sevenoaks were also re-tendered to Sevenoaks Town Council, who will pay £32,000 a year.