The announcement that the Town Centre Landlords have given notice to close the Market is shocking news particularly as they assured its future after the refurbishment.
Now it seems the owners of the centre wish to bring in a different set-up, under new management. The local market traders group are obviously unhappy and are disappointed they cannot continue to provide a service.
It seems their stalls were too scruffy for our new town centre and the owners want something  prettier and better organised.
If and when this happens only time will tell, meanwhile we have to accept the decision and the Town Council, the Market licence holder, can do nothing about the situation.
The fact the market has dwindled to just a few stalls is not entirely the fault of the traders who have suffered so much disruption and uncertainty during the refurbishment.
It was hoped land next to the Cubby could be used for the weekly market which is County Council land, but that has been refused as the land is due to be developed?
It could have been offered on a temporary basis, pending development, as it has been a vacant unsightly mess for over 10 years.
Once again the folly of selling our town centre to a private landlord has been proven. Ownership of a town’s main shopping precinct should not leave the local authority or the will of the people powerless in such a situation!