Rochester market traders have vowed to fight council plans to axe their weekly presence in the town.

The Medway Messenger reported on Friday moves to merge the historic market with a monthly Sunday farmers’ market in Corporation Street, its home for decades until being relocated to the Blue Boar Lane car park in 2006.

Traders say they were only told the news by Medway Council that day and have now launched a petition demanding a rethink. More than 200 people have already signed up to show their support.

The last Friday market is due to take place on Friday, June 6, but stall-holders are threatening a stand-off.

Traders John Wood and Navinder Sanghera, have had stalls at the market for more than 30 years.

John, who runs a flower stall with his wife, said: “It’s just not right is it? Business isn’t bad down here, there may be fewer stall-holders, but business is still brisk.

“All the traders feel the same and we’re prepared to pitch-up as usual, even after the last supposed date.”

Navinder, who runs a fabric material stall, added: “I have regular customers who come back week on week. What will they do now?

“They don’t come to Rochester on Sundays, once a month, they come on Fridays, every week.

“I’ll stick with the other stall-holders and fight this, and stay on-site if need be.”

A spokesman for Medway Council said:“It’s no longer viable for Rochester market to operate on a weekly basis, with on average just five or six stall-holders per week.

“The only way the market could continue is if the council provided a substantial subsidy at tax-payers’ expense.

“By merging the weekly market with the monthly farmers’ market, it’s hoped that shoppers will have a wider choice of goods, and the traders will enjoy a broader customer base.”