A deal to provide the Tonbridge Saturday market with a new home has been agreed by its operators and the borough council.

The open-air market, which has been operating since the 1960s, will move to a council-owned car park next to Sainsbury’s in Sovereign Way.

Recent years have seen a steady decline in footfall to the market in its current location at the town’s railway station car park while works were carried out by Network Rail.

The market traders sought help from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to identify a more central position with easier access for customers.

The Sovereign Way car park already hosts a successful monthly farmers' market.

The arrangement will require planning approval, but if granted, the borough will give a lease to Platt Group of Markets allowing it to operate from the more prominent position.

Markets have been suspended during the present Covid restrictions, but the first one in its new home will be on Saturday, April 17, between 7am and 1pm, Boris permitting.

Gary Platt, managing director of Platt Group of Markets, said: "This will be a fresh start for us and gives us the chance to make a visit to the Saturday market a must on everyone’s shopping list."

Council leader Nicolas Heslop "The Saturday market has a great history in the town stretching back many years and it was disappointing to see it struggling on its previous site.

"I’m glad we’ve been able to hopefully help revive its fortunes and bring even more colour and variety to our great town centre."

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