A church hall flea market which has for more than 20 years served as a shopping and meeting point for hundreds of residents is set to close next week amid frustration from customers.

More than 300 Thornton Heath residents, most of whom are pensioners, discovered they are to lose their Wednesday morning indoor and outdoor market at Parchmore Methodist Church following an announcement at the end of last month.

Around 20 stall holders were given written notice to stop trading, with the explanation that a long running and reputed "difficulty" within the Parchmore Road market had become too stressful for all involved and had run its course.

Pensioner David Sutton, who lives in Falkland Park Road and regularly uses the market, claims the church should have consulted the community more thoroughly before making the decision and has signed a petition drawn up by traders.

He said: "The market day is seen as a community centre and we don't want it to go. We want them to solve their problems."

Bruce Morris, 37, of Norbury Avenue, whose wife uses the market, said: "I don't think it's fair to shut it and affect all those people because of a problem one powerful person is having.

"They're not taking the community into consideration."

Rosina Kent who is 90 and lives in Ecclesbourne Road, said: "They shouldn't close it - it is going to affect a lot of people.

"Although I can't make it down there anymore a neighbour of mine goes there and if there are any bargains he brings them back for me."

But Rev Andrew Shepherd-Dart said the decision was final and the result of several meetings to which the public were invited.

He cited two-years of clashes between the market and the youth service which also uses the hall as a key reason.

Expensive extension work is also planned for the new year, which will make the premises unsuitable for use as a market, and which are designed to cater for several other community groups in private rooms.

He said: "It is not a decision that has been made lightly, but the needs of both groups have been balanced.

"The market does pay some money to us for the use of the space but they do not raise money for our work."

He claimed traders are actively seeking new space for holding their market within the Thornton Heath area.

December 13, 2001 09:30