ROCHESTER’S Friday market was relaunched in a new location with great hopes for the future, little more than a year ago.

But this is the dismal scene which now greets hopeful bargain-hunters. Just two stalls were open at the site in Blue Boar Lane on Friday, and the rest of the area was filled with parked cars.

For decades, the market had thrived at the larger car park site in Corporation Street. But as it became smaller, it was moved across the street, where it would be closer to the High Street and easier for customers to get to.

The then Mayor of Medway, Angela Prodger, relaunched the market in November 2006.

As the council’s portfolio holder for strategic development and economic growth, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: "A number of market traders have been identified as interested in returning to the market in this new location, which is great news for Rochester traders and customers."

Market superintendent Lesley Jennings had said: "The market operator has invested in marquee-style stalls for the new site."

But the stalls on Friday, which were selling clothes and household items, appeared to have hardly any customers.

A spokesman for Medway Council said: "We are aware of the situation, and are discussing how it can be improved in the future."