Kingston: Traders say historic market is a shadow of past glory

Fishmonger Tim Meads says people have bene put off coming to the market

Traders at one of London's oldest markets have said it is a shadow of its former glory amid council plans to revive it.

Online shopping and parking charges had "killed" Kingston Ancient Market, which opened in 1170, some traders said.

Kingston Council announced plans in March to modernise and change how the market operates by 2028.

A council spokesperson said it was committed to keeping the market successful.

The 28 market stalls, market square and Grade II-listed Ancient Market House are owned by the council but the market is operated by Kingston First, the town centre's business improvement district, under a rolling 12-month agreement.

The council wants to combine all three areas under a longer-term lease held by a new operator.

Market traders said the market had declined in recent years, but welcomed improvements the new strategy might bring.

Fishmonger Tim Meads, 60, who has traded at the market for 41 years, said: "All this market is now is food. There's nothing to bring people."

Online shopping, supermarkets, increased rent and expensive parking charges contributed to less footfall, he said.

He added: "They've killed this market… it used to be a lovely market."

Kingston Council plans to revitalise the market following a public consultation

Lucho Vlahov, 34, of Thee Olive Tree, said the market had declined in the eight years he had worked there and needed to be better promoted.

"If you're not familiar with the area, you can just walk through the high street not knowing that there is a market here," he said.

A public consultation on the market finishes on 19 May and the council expects to appoint a new operator by the end of the year.

A Kingston First spokesperson said it welcomed the chance to revitalise the area.

They said: "We have always recognised the cultural, historic and economic importance of the Ancient Market Place and believe it has the opportunity to be a more welcoming and greener space for the community and visitors with more investment."

The group said it and traders had been "restricted because of challenges within the space", including market stalls which it said were "no longer fit for purpose".

A Kingston Council spokesperson said it was committed to ensuring the market continued "to be successful and sustainable for everyone to enjoy, for years to come".

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