Robert Marshall-Andrews

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Save Strood Market

At his regular surgery last Saturday morning Bob Marshall-Andrews QC MP met with the representative of Strood Market Traders, Matt Hume.  Mr Hume represented the MP (photo below) with a very large petition which contained 1000s of signed letters from customers all expressing their concern at the possible closure of Strood Market.  With reference to former Rainham market and the seemingly failing Gillingham & Rochester markets Mr Hume expressed concerns that collectively Medway Council was failing to support the local markets and their traders.

Bob Marshall-Andrews commented, “I have strong concerns and reservations about the current Aldi Store planning application and the possible loss of Strood Market.  Market stall holders were horrified to discover that plans have been submitted to the Council, seeking the re-development of the private land currently leased by the operator of Strood Market.  There had been no warning from the Council.  Stall holders and customers have not been consulted.

“This is a popular and well-established market, and is a part of the fabric of the High Street.  The loss of the market would mean the loss of many jobs and also a focal point for local residents.  Traders in Strood High Street have already reported a down turn in business since the closure of Safeways and I fear that the market’s closure may lead to further shop closures.

“My Labour council colleagues and I are calling on Medway Council to, at the very least, be proactive in finding a suitable alternative site for the popular market and offer assurance to the stallholders that they will be able to trade.  Our petition, along those lines, was presented to Full Council, and came to a Medway Council Scrutiny committee in earlier this month, forcing the Tories to agree that if the market has to move it will go to the Commercial Road car park.  I will keep a watching brief on the situation.

“In June I wrote two letters of Medway Council.  My letter to the council’s Chief Executive has been replied to, but worryingly not the satisfaction of those concerned.  My comments in my letter to the planning department  have been noted and will be considered as the application is scrutinised.”