Disappointed traders say they will "soldier on" and keep the Ashford town centre market running - despite the council rejecting a request to move it back to the top end of the high street.

Stallholders asked Ashford Borough Council (ABC) last year to relocate their stands as they said they are struggling to earn a living in their current Lower High Street spot.

In November, the authority said it was “seriously considering” relocating the market following a meeting with traders, who feared it could disappear for good if the move was blocked.

But in a letter sent to all traders in December, Cllr Paul Clokie (Con), portfolio holder for regeneration and corporate property at ABC, said the switch is not possible.

The market - which operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays - had previously been based at the top of town but was forced to move in 2008 shortly after the opening of the County Square extension.

In his letter, Cllr Clokie wrote: "I think I can summarise your feelings as it being your view that with the apparent greater footfall in the Upper High Street the market would thrive.

"I have to acknowledge this theory is hard to dispute, however it is currently difficult to see how this move would work given the restricted space available for a properly structured market, particularly taking into account the space required by the existing shops.

"I was, however, rather concerned by the comments which suggested that the long-term viability of the market might depend on such move.

"But I must point out that you yourselves admitted it is unlikely that the market has a life much beyond five years.

"I also feel that the proposed redevelopment of the Vicarage Lane site, including the art deco front ballroom building, has the potential to improve considerably the existing trading area."

As well as listing a lack of space in the top end of town as a factor against the move, Cllr Clokie also stated moving the market would "harm the Lower High Street by removing the vibrancy and animation that exists from having a regular market".

But market spokesman Peter Rosson is not satisfied with the council's response, saying the traders did not recall saying the market wouldn't survive beyond five years.

He says that suggestion came from a member of the council instead.

Mr Rosson, who lives in James Street, said: "We moved down here from the top of town because Debenhams wanted us to go over 10 years ago and here we are, asking to move back with good reasons and they have said no.

"It is a bit ridiculous that we can't move.

"The retail in the upper part of town is falling apart - I think we can add to that part of the market.

"We have already had other stallholders asking to move here, subject to us moving to the top end of town.

"They will come if we move.

"I don't think the Vicarage Lane redevelopment will make any difference; the loss of the car park will probably affect us more.

"We will just have to stay here and soldier on."

Ashford Borough Council was approached for a further comment by KentOnline's sister title the Kentish Express, but it said it had nothing further to add to Cllr Clokie's letter.

In a reply to Cllr Clokie, Mr Rosson wrote: "We left the meeting in November with optimism you had listened and heard our concerns and that you were willing to take a look at our proposal, but sadly we were wrong in that optimism.

"Nothing has been given or offered in terms of money for events, promotions of market or support such as you gave the farmers' market.

"Markets are a success in many places of the country due to support and input from local councils - perhaps Ashford Borough Council could be one of these."

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