FOLKESTONE may lose its town centre market. There has been trouble since work started to spruce up the Sandgate Road precinct when disgruntled traders were moved from their pitches and told they would not be able to return there when the environmental improvements are complete.

Market Initiatives Ltd is pulling out, citing a lack of commitment on the district council's part to grant a long term contract to operate the Thursday and Saturday market. It wants to be gone by the end of October having given stall holders a month's notice.

Discussions are taking place between the two sides to try to reach an agreement.

Cllr Joe Sullivan, vice chairman of the district council's general purposes committee, said: "The market has been an intrinsic part of the town for many years and we appreciate that it adds value to the shopping experience in Folkestone. We are also confident that other ways could be explored to ensure a market remains a feature of the town centre scene."

Town centre manager Rob Woods said: "We are disappointed with the news. It is particularly sorry for those traders who have supported the town over the past few years.

"We feel Folkestone town centre needs a quality market that emulates and complements the success of the Sunday market, has a lively feel and becomes an attraction in its own right."

Do you want the market to stay? E-mail jrobertson@thekmgroup.co.uk