A fresh proposal regarding the closure of Sittingbourne High Street to allow the relocation of the market has been put forward by the council.

If it goes ahead, it could spell the end of people being able to turn right into Central Avenue.

Swale council originally wanted to apply for an order to shut the entire road to traffic on Fridays between 6am and 6pm. It is already closed on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.

This would allow the market, which is currently held in the Forum car park every Friday, to operate on both days, with stalls lining the street from Wilkinson down to Central Avenue.

Worried about their livelihoods, more than 30 independent retailers signed a petition urging the local authority not to close the street on the last working day of the week.

The petition was presented when six traders met council officers to discuss the plans on February 20.

After further consultation with residents, businesses and community groups, the council is now suggesting the road is closed from the top down to Central Avenue only.

If the changes get the go-ahead, vehicles will be permanently stopped from turning right into Central Avenue when the High Street is open.

On market days all traffic will be rerouted along Avenue of Remembrance, down past the police station and library, so they can turn right on to the lower end of the High Street.

Campaign leader Vic Brobyn, co-owner of the Pet Shop, said: “I cannot say everyone is happy with it, but the general opinion is it’s fine.

“It’s better than the original proposal and we will go with it if it can be achieved.”

More work needs to be undertaken to assess the viability of the plans.

Lyn Newton, the economy and community services manager, said: “The council is keen to continue its informal consultation around relocating Sittingbourne market, and wants to hear your views on this revised proposal.”

For further information and to have your say, contact town centre regeneration officer Jill Read on 01795 417592.