In a bold venture to go where no market has gone before, Paul Clark, who manages the town centre market in Folkestone, has opened a long-awaited shopping venture on Romney Marsh. Set along the beachside opposite the Romney Sands Holiday Park, in Greatstone, the market opened on Sunday to summer sunshine and a warm reception from locals.
Originally due to open at Easter, the plans were scuppered by government guidelines dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.
“It’s taken a lot longer to get here than I planned” said Mr. Clark, who was finally given the go-ahead when the caravan park re-opened. “There’s no immediate opposition in this area” added Mr Clark, who polled Folkestone market stall holders last year when he first examined the opportunity. “There isn’t much down here, and the site hasn’t been used for years. I think it used to store deck chairs for hire”.
With space for 16 stalls, the market will run from Easter through to September, but be very weather dependant. “It can be torrential rain and gales down here sometimes” said Mr. Clark, “but we have a WhatsApp group and accurate weather forecasts, so everyone will be aware immediately should we call a market off at short notice”.
Goods on offer last weekend included fruit and veg, household items, flowers, bedding and men’s and women’s fashion. The new Marsh Market will be open between 10am and 3pm on Sundays.
Image Credits: Chris Lawson .