Fears have been raised about closing the High Street to vehicles if plans to move the town market are given the go-ahead.

As part of regeneration plans, the proposal is for the market to operate on Fridays and Saturdays as of next year.

It would move from The Forum car park to the new site starting outside Wilkinson and stretching as fas as the entrance to Central Avenue.

To accommodate it, the road will be closed between 6am and 6pm on Fridays as well as 10am to 6pm on Saturdays as it is currently.

It is hoped the market will grow and community groups will be encouraged to host special events in the traffic-free zone.

But there are concerns the plans will cause a serious problem for buses and taxis.

Speaking at this week’s Swale Joint Transportation Board (JTB) meeting, Minster parish councillor Peter MacDonald, said: “It’s part of their main route and frankly if you stop the buses from operating during the week you are going to do away with the passengers who actually travel to the shopping area.

“It’s a Catch-22. To close it on a Friday would cause them and their users considerable problems.”

David Spurling, who deals with transport matters for the Swale Seniors’ Forum (SSF), agreed there could be problems. He said: “We are not trying to be the Victor Meldrews of the JTB.

“We are thinking of visitors to Sittingbourne as well as other people.”

Economy and community services manager Lyn Newton said Swale council will be consulting the bus operators and users, the market cooperative, stall holders and community groups.

Tom Gates, county councillor for Faversham, said closing the High Street in his ward improved the town centre. He said: “It’s brought life back in there.”

Roger Truelove, county councillor for Swale central, suggested relevant cabinet members meet the SSF. Cllr Mike Whiting said the group would be invited to the next meeting in December.

He also pointed out that the next report needs to include other points raised such as access and air quality issues before a recommendation is made to Kent County Council.