From a new state-of-the-art football ground and the arrival of a massive shopping complex just outside town, to the construction of that much-maligned crossing, Dartford has changed plenty in the past few decades.

Despite all the developments, its heritage as a market town has been preserved thanks to the enduring commitment and enthusiasm of its High Street stallholders.

Everyone loves the big brands, but not as much as we love a good bargain and Dartford market still draws a fine crowd every Thursday and Saturday as shoppers descend on the town centre.

Two businesses last week celebrated five decades working there, still going strong despite the ever-growing ascendancy of online retail and the likes of Bluewater.

Simon Zaiden has been selling bags, suitcases and purses since taking over the stall from his dad, and handed out free passports to all of his customers to mark the milestone.

He said: “My dad was here before me. He worked all over the markets in Kent – Maidstone, Canterbury, Rochester.

“He did the hard work by finding them and I just took over. We started off in the old cattle market – a farmers’ market – and I took over when I was 17.

“I’m 57 now, so that was 40 years ago. I’ve always sold bags and purses and things like that.

“I like the town and we get plenty of regular customers. The council are very good to work with and have been very supportive of the market.

“Trade is still good. The climate isn’t what it used to be, but compared to everywhere else it’s positive. I’ve still got customers going back 30 years.

“Older people are used to it and like to see what they’re buying before they buy it. Kids that used to help me sell in and sell out are now adults with their own kids.

“My family still help out – my daughter Joanne, 31, and son Darren, 28. They helped when they were kids.”

Unsurprisingly, Mr Zaiden’s most popular product in the summer is his range of luggage – suitcases, holdalls and other containers starting at £12.

Trade goes up as Christmas looms, when purses and wallets – starting at just £5 and £6 respectively – really fly off the stall. It makes his trip to and from his home in Redbridge, Essex well worth it.

Another stallholder to benefit from the festive season is Chas Bassett, the owner of Idel Butchers, who also comes to Dartford from across the river.

Mr Bassett, 42, from Stansted, said: “My uncle John has been here for 50 years – I have been here for 25 years.

“We do 10 or 12 markets. We work one in Ashford and a lot of London ones. Out of all the markets, this is the only place we’ve done a free meat giveaway to give something back to our long-standing customers.”

It was certainly an impressive giveaway, with £3,000 of meat handed out, and Mayor of Dartford, Cllr John Burrell, made sure to get in on the action.

The promotion made for a busy day, with the meat van’s usual team of five beefed up to seven. Not that Idel Butchers ever struggles for custom, as the owner continues to satisfy the changing tastes of his customers.

He explained: “The items people buy are different now. People probably buy meats that are quicker to cook these days so you have got to adapt to the times.”

So long as he continues to do so alongside his fellow traders, Mr Bassett is confident the town’s market still has a strong future.

We should certainly hope so – it’s difficult to imagine Dartford without the feature that once defined it.