Market to go?

MARKET traders could lose their livelihoods and shoppers a lifeline if Littlehampton Market closes.

Rumours are rife the town centre, under-cover Friday and Saturday facility could close and homes be built on the site.

However, managers Town and Country Markets said: Business as usual. We ve even got new signs and we will be doing a leaflet drop. And no planning applications have been received by Arun District Council.

But rumours say drawings have been seen, the site is already sold, traders have called meetings and a survey is currently being carried out to gather shopkeepers feelings about town markets, if they want one, when it should be and what sort; for example, specialist French or antique or regular as it is now.

The Littlehampton Gazette visited the market last Friday to find out exactly what shoppers and stallholders felt after hearing the rumours.

Penny Tyrrell, of Rustington, visits weekly and said the market should not close.

You can get something for a pound here and probably pay 2 in the shops.

It s a lifeline for some people, especially if you are on a pension.

The market butchers is the only one in Littlehampton and it has been there for 20 years. If it were to go, said Penny, I think that would be very sad for Littlehampton residents. You can get meat at superstores, but it s no comparison price-wise. The greengrocer is very competitive, too.

For the full story, see the Gazette, August 9.