'It's scandalous' - Gravesend traders slam market closure ahead of year-long £1.8 million revamp

Mixed emotions met customers at Gravesend Borough Market as traders dismantled their stalls – for some marking a move to new premises and others their last day of life as a market trader.

The market will close as part of a £1.8 million regeneration of the town’s Heritage Quarter, using funds secured from the Coastal Communities Fund and £20,000 of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

An image of what the revamped market could look like

Ten market stalls will relocate to Unit 16/17 in St George’s Shopping Centre.

One trader relocating is Peter Merritt, who has sold homemade pickles and preserves on the market for five years.

Peter Merritt

Mr Merritt said: “I think it’s very sad, it’s the end of an era.

“I knew it was coming but it is a sad day.

“When we first found out we were moving to the St George’s Centre I was dubious but I feel quite happy about it now.”

Other stallholders have been forced to move out of town or have decided to give up trading altogether.

Anna Parker, 43, from Watercress Way in Northfleet, has been trading at the market for the past three years selling handmade healing jewellery and offering spiritual readings.

Miss Parker and her business partner, Denise Smith have been forced to shell out for a new premises in Northfleet after receiving the news that they would not be placed in the shopping centre.

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She said: “I don’t think the council have been fair to anyone.

“Trading has dropped in the last couple of years but I think that’s because the market isn’t advertised, Gravesend Market isn’t even on the big maps in town.

“Everything new goes up by the council offices and this end of town is just left to suffer – when the farmer’s market is on up there we don’t get any trade.

“It’s been very expensive, they put me in a position where I thought I was going to lose my business.

“We have occurred a lot of debt to move, but I am trying to remain positive for the future.

“I am getting quite excited now.”

John Clarke

John Clarke, will shut up shop for the last time following four years at the market.

He said: “We knew it was going to happen but I think it’s the way they (Gravesham Council) have done it that’s the problem.

“You have to build your own stall and we’re having to take them down yourself.

“I’m going to give it up for now, when it’s done up I might come back but it’s going to be more like an arcade, it’s not going to be a market anymore.”

Market Cafe owner, Les Dyson, 58, has been forced to close his cafe just 21 weeks after opening.

Les Dyson

He said: “It’s scandalous.

“They’ve ripped the my livelihood out from under my feet.

“I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall.”

Mr Dyson, who paid £6,000 for the unit, was told by council officials that he would not be relocated to the St George’s Centre.

He said: “What’s happening is this is causing a man who has had two heart attacks more stress.

"Gravesham doesn't have a market anymore."

Councillor Samir Jassal, Cabinet Member for Business Development, said: “Gravesend’s Historic Market Hall is on the threshold of a major transformation which will see its re-emergence as a popular retail space and destination for visitors to the town.

"I am pleased that the council’s efforts to ensure the continued trading of existing stallholders have been worthwhile.”