Sevenoaks market gets trial town centre move

The market is currently held in a car park next to Sevenoaks bus station

The weekly market in Sevenoaks, Kent, is being relocated to the town centre for a six-month trial from December.

The Wednesday market is currently held in a car park next to the bus station but is moving to the High Street.

Stall holders have been campaigning for the change, as the High Street has greater footfall.

It has been made possible after businesses in Market Square that previously had tables and chairs outside agreed to move them when their pavement licences were renewed in September.

Sevenoaks District Council said it would also free 76 spaces in Buckhurst 1 car park, the market's former home.

Irene Roy, cabinet member for cleaner and greener, described it as a "win-win" situation.

She said: “We’ve listened to the traders and decided to move the market in time for the important Christmas trading period.

“Traders should have more custom in this central location and visitors on market days should find it easier to park. Other retailers in the town should also feel the benefit with more shoppers on the High Street.”