Traders and shopkeepers are counting down the days until the Saturday market is launched in the town centre.

It will move from its current site in King’s Road to Mortimer Street and William Street on May 3, with 26 traders out of 29 ready to make the switch.

Council chiefs said half of them had paid £250 to buy a gazebo for a permanent pitch, and have given the other traders three months to decide whether they want to purchase at a reduced rate.

Fruit and vegetables seller John Beaney has sold his wares on a Saturday in Herne Bay for five years.

He said: “Moving can only be better for us as we will meet new people who will hopefully come back.”

Former Mortimer Street shopkeeper turned market trader Paul Stannard welcomed the change.

He said: “It will help everybody. Most people I have spoken to think it’s a good idea.”

Their optimism was matched by Mortimer Street florist Luisa Carlino. She said: “I think bringing more people to the town is always going to be a good thing.”

But some traders were worried about competing with the shops.

Wendy Wood, 48, has helped her sister, Dawn Simpson, with their stall after switching from Ramsgate 10 months ago.

She said: “It’s a bit worrying to think we might be treading on shopkeepers’ toes.

There has been concern from High Street shops.

High Street Warehouse shop assistant Pearl Cox said: “If people came in here before, it’s probably not going to happen after.

“I’m worried this end of town might become desolate.”

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