A small-business owner has launched a petition to save a Kent high street he says has been “killed” by the loss of a key attraction.

The main thoroughfare in Ramsgate used to have a bustling market every Friday and plenty of busy shops, but trader Jim Brady, who opened Heaven and Hell Gifts 10 years ago, says he has noticed a severe decline in footfall in the area.

The privately-owned market stopped during the first Covid lockdown in 2020, and hasn’t returned to the town centre since.

It later moved to the Staffordshire Street car park, but subsequently closed altogether due to a drop in traders.

The council says it is in the process of looking for an operator to take on the market.

But until then, father-of-four Mr Brady fears for the future of his family-owned and run gift shop at 30 High Street.

“The impact on business has been severe,” said the 53-year-old.

“Market days used to be about three quarters of our weekly takings.

“If something isn’t done soon, I can see my business folding and I don’t think I’m the only one.

“Before, business was great. It was hard work seven days a week, but I earned a living. I wasn’t making loads of money but was comfortable.

“Now, every day is a struggle. We are down around 40-50% on takings over the month, which has had a huge impact not only on work but on home life too as the stress is constant.”

The grandfather-of-one describes himself as an “avid Ramsgate supporter” and believes “the town has so much potential”.

But he added: “It’s such a shame that not much ever gets done that benefits the town and its high street. Ramsgate is a market town and as such should at least have a weekly town market.”

In October 2020, Thanet District Council said there were plans to create a new Canterbury-style market format in Ramsgate, with gazebos and themed days, adding that the market contract would be advertised to tenders.

But it has not returned since.

Mr Brady launched his campaign at the start of month and has had support from other local businesses, who have also felt the lack of footfall following the market’s demise.

Inder Sinth owns The Beach Variety - a mobile phone and accessories shop - and used to have a market stall before moving to his store three months before the first Covid lockdown.

“Since the market has stopped the town seems dead,” he said. “It used to bring a lot of customers to the town.”

But the lack of a market isn’t the only thing driving away business.

“One reason people are running away from the town is that Westwood Cross has three hours free parking, but this area doesn’t have any,” he added.

Meanwhile, parking for two hours in Meeting Street car park in the town will set shoppers back £2.80.

Another business in the town centre, The Sunrise Café, has had similar issues.

Owner Ercan Dinc said: “Business has gone down since it closed. We haven’t got the same numbers of customers coming in any more.

“There’s just not many people around in the town.”

Both traders have signed Mr Brady’s petition, and The Sunrise Café has a copy in store for customers.

Labour councillor Steve Albon, for the Eastcliffe Ward, says the market is “what the town needs to bring back vibrancy”.

“We’ve been petitioning the council for a long time now,” he said.

“We are frustrated that Thanet District Council have taken so long to bring it back.

“The only suitable place for it is on the high street.”

A spokesperson for Thanet District Council said: “The weekly market was operated on Ramsgate High Street by Hughmark Ltd until June 2020. At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday 22 October 2020, it was agreed that the existing arrangement for Ramsgate Market would cease.

“Two potential locations have been identified as suitable for a market: Ramsgate High Street and/or Westcliff Promenade Green, and other locations could also be considered.

“We are now working to put the procurement process in place to identify a new operator for Ramsgate Market and the opportunity will be advertised on Contract Finder and the Kent Business Portal in due course.”

The petition has amassed about 300 signatures so far, you can sign Jim Brady's petition here.