Opinion is divided over plans to replace Canterbury’s soon-to-be-axed market with street trader stalls dotted around the city.

Come the start of next year, long-standing sellers are set to be dispersed and granted pitches in four different zones.

They will take up residence in the likes of St Dunstan’s, Station Road West, Guildhall Street and the top end of the high street.

Regular customers are upset over the decision to disband the market in its current form - branding the move “ridiculous”.

They fear having stalls sprinkled across the city will discourage people from coming in to browse and buy produce.

Existing traders, however, are content with the proposals and believe the council’s vision at last gives them assurances they can have a future presence in the city.

In January they will be booted out of their current base to make way for a £1.2 million makeover of the high street.

There has been much uncertainty as to where the stallholders will end up, but now, following “a lot of consideration”, the council has outlined its plan for where they could be relocated.

Fruit and veg seller Jeb Hughes - a mainstay in the high street and popular figure - says he’s pleased with the proposals.

“I’m feeling really positive about it for the first time in three years,” he said.

“It’s been like a dark cloud hanging over us, not knowing if we’re going to be around. So it’s nice to at last be getting some security.

“We feared the worst, but the council is now very open to talking to us. We’ve had personal meetings and thankfully they’ve come up with an idea where all of us can trade.

"We’ll all have to apply for a pitch. I’m not too sure where to go yet, I hope I can get where I want.

“With the cost of living crisis, I think it would be a bit strange if they don’t want me selling fresh produce for a pound.”

The proposals have sparked an outcry from some residents, who fail to see any positives.

Voicing her frustration on Facebook, Anne Leva wrote: “Ridiculous! A city like Canterbury should have a proper market in a dedicated area, not stalls dotted around that you find by accident!”

Meanwhile, Janet Stannard said: “People will not want to walk ALL over Canterbury looking for a stall. Most people want all things together, not have to do a mile hike. I think this will be a mistake.”

'We feared the worst, but the council is now very open to talking to us...'

Their thoughts are echoed by others, including another who asks: “Who is going to walk down to Canterbury West station for a few market stalls?”

Four different zones across the city are proposed to be created as the council hopes to form a "vibrant atmosphere", with the first being in Station Road West.

Five pitches will be available on the stretch in front of the multi-storey car park, near Canterbury West railway station.

Last year, the council’s bid for eight timber-clad kiosks was thrown out by its planning committee amid damning claims they would be a fire risk and give rise to pickpocketing, nuisance climbing and graffiti.

The authority, however, still has a vision to create pitches along the street - although it is not known whether the kiosk plan will be revived.

Elsewhere, traders are set to be given slots around Westgate Towers, opposite The West Gate Inn Wetherspoon in North Lane, and opposite the Guildhall council chamber at the bottom of the high street.

Further into the heart of the city, lone-standing pitches are proposed to be dotted along the high street, and spill onto Guildhall Street where they will be located outside the vacant Debenhams building.

Another pitch is proposed for Sun Street, while another is planned for Rose Lane, the square in Whitefriars outside M&S and next to the clocktower at the top end of the high street.

In total, 41 spaces for traders are envisaged to be created. In the city’s current form, there are 36.

The council’s plans are now out for public consultation.

To have your say on the proposals, click here and complete the questionnaire by Monday, July 11.