Fury as iconic market that’s the ‘heart & soul of tiny UK village’s economy’ is suddenly AXED by airport chiefs
LOCALS have slammed the decision to shut down the “heart and soul” of their tiny village’s livelihood.
Airport bosses have scrapped the weekend market held at an airfield in Thanet, Kent.
The iconic stalls, set up at Manston Airport, had been popular with the community since opening last year.
The owners made their devastating announcement on social media this week.
In an “important notice” on Facebook, Stevens Markets wrote: “Market closed permanently.
“It comes with great sadness that we have had to stop operating at the Manston airfield market.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to all the supporters out there.
“That stuck with us when everyone else was going against us. It means a lot and you can continue to follow our journey with bray markets.
“All traders that paid a two week deposit, we will be refunding this to you and we will give you more information on how to get this back in due course.”
The statement appears to blame Thanet District Council for rejecting planning permission applications.
But, it has now been reported it was due to the airport – not the local authority.
However, it has subsequently emerged the decision was actually taken by the airport itself and not Thanet District Council.
Fans and residents hailed the market and penned messages of support.
“What a sad day for everyone,” wrote one under the Facebook statement.
“Wow I’m gutted loved coming up there,” another agreed.
A third added: “Oh my god that’s terrible enjoyed going there every weekend, met some really nice traders.”
An independent trader wrote: “I’m absolutely gutted! Hands down this market saved my business! I have absolutely no words.”
“No I’m crying, this is so sad,” echoed another.
Heartbroken Les Stevens, of Stevens Markets, told KentOnline: “Planning had been going through but then we got a memo from the airport saying we had to cease trading.
“I have no idea why. But it wasn’t the council as we first believed.
“I was in Turkey at the time and had just been told planning wasn’t granted.”
A spokesperson for Thanet District Council said: “The market needs planning permission to continue to operate on the Manston Airport site. Council officers contacted the operator and requested a planning application, to change the use of the land.
“To date, an application has not been received and therefore no application has been rejected.”
The thriving market was heaving every week and Lee Stevens added how they are looking for a new location.
It is understood there may be two sites in consideration, with one being close to Manston.
Stallholders have also been told they will be given their deposits back.
Airport execs made the move as they continue with development on the airfield.
It is understood to be considering two sites – at least one of which is close to Manston.
A spokesperson for airport owners RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) said: “Manston Airport and the operators of the Saturday market have decided to part company by mutual consent.
“It is understood that the market is now pursuing other sites in east Kent.”