THE future of Maldon’s market is at risk as the council prepares to vote on whether or not to scrap it.

Maldon District Council will give councillors two options for what can be done with the market.

One would see it given another six months as it looks for someone to take over the site, while a second option would see it scrapped.

The market had received the backing of councillors in August, when they voted to grant it another two year lease at the site on Butt Lane car park on Thursdays and Saturdays.

However now, just three months later, the council wants to renegotiate for the £15,000 per year officers feel they would get if it remained as a car park.

Councillors will also discuss whether or not to set up a task and finish group to investigate options for the future delivery of a market in Maldon, away from the car park.

Officers recommended giving the market another six months, but in reality this would actually mean slashing 15 months off the recent agreement.

Terry Frost, who runs the jewellery and watch stall, believes losing the market would be a big blow to the town.

Mr Frost, who has had a stall since 1979, said: “The market has been in the town since about the 12th century in one form or another. It would be really sad if that tradition was lost.

“I know we have great support from the shop keepers in the High Street as well who see us as a benefit rather than a hindrance.

“People don’t just shop in one place, so if they come down for the market they end up on the High Street as well.

“The strength of Maldon has always been the individual shops we have.

“There are lots of speciality shops rather than your usual High Street brands and I think the market is part of that.

“ I hope that the council sees sense.”

A decision will be made at the community services committee meeting on Tuesday.

A petition has been set up to encourage the council to save the market. To sign, visit change.org/p/maldon-district-council-save-maldon-market.