Iconic market loved for 50 years closes for good today as devastated shoppers say it’s the ‘end of an era’

SHOPPERS are devastated as an iconic market that’s stood for half a century closes for good.

Traders and customers say it’s the “end of an era” as the stalls prepare to shut at the staple community trade hub.

Top Town Market in Grimsby is being demolished to make way for a new entertainment unit, as part of the Freshney Place leisure scheme.

Fred‘s Fisheries has been running at the market for three decades and is being forced to shut up shop on Saturday.

Staff member Sue told Grimsby Live: “I’ve been here 30 odd years on and off and I’ll miss the customers so much.

“They all come on here and have a chin wag and then go about their day, this is a hub for people to meet, talk and have something to eat.

“I’m looking for another job now – it’s just been so nice to be on here and talk to customers.”

Some lucky traders have been selected to set up their stalls at a BHS shop as a temporary solution.

Around 10 were picked and the other will go elsewhere or close down forever.

K&P Collectibles owner Kathy Lowdon has run the store for ten years and has been offered to set up in the former BHS.

She said moving to the new location is a bit of a nightmare as the venue isn’t yet ready for the tradesmen to move into yet.

The stock is piling up in her family member’s garages during the heartbreaking move.

She said: “I’ve been here for ten years and the customers have become my friends.

“It’s sad because there’s nowhere else like the market – it’s a proper community.

“Yesterday a woman came with her son and she’d travelled all the way from Newcastle – she said she used to live in Grimsby and all her memories were here, and she wanted to come and see the market for one last time.

“Some of my customers have been welling up in tears because a lot of them come on here every day.”

She’s been preparing for weeks, and already has lots of store in stock, but shoppers are still upset about the closure.

Some even brought Kathy flowers and chocolates to show their appreciation for her presence at Top Town Market.

One shopper, Judy, told Grimsby Live: “It’s really sad, it’s people’s livelihoods.

“It’s the end of an era, I come on the market every week.

“I know a man and a big part of his week is coming on here.”

The fifty-year-long stint has created a community and customers are gutted to see their beloved marketplace go.

Once the longstanding market stalls have been demolished, a new cinema and other entertainment features will take its place.

From the start of February, the market will close and traders will be shut or dispersed to different places.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however.

Debbie Green, who owns vintage clothing stall Temple Ranch Clothing said she is excited for the future.

She says she was “absolutely thrilled” to be one of the traders selected to move to the new temporary premises,

I’ve had an amazing experience on the market and it’s a brand new business which is never easy to start, but I’ve been made to feel really welcome.

“I love everybody on here.”

A spokesperson from North East Lincolnshire Council said:” The council is talking separately with the stand holders and cafés about other suitable spaces in the town centre, which can accommodate their needs.”

The Sun has reached out to North East Lincolnshire Council for a comment.

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