The traditional seaside town’s weekly street market was shut down earlier this year, but the community rallied together to welcome the new market with open arms
Renowned for its golden sands, stunning buildings, and vibrant pier, this beloved traditional coastal resort is celebrating the comeback of its eagerly awaited weekly street market.
Following its closure earlier this year due to “out of control drinking, drug use, and violence”, the council had issued a call for fresh operators.
The market situated within the Arun District of West Sussex had become dangerous for vendors, but now it’s being completely organised and managed by residents from the classic South Coast resort. The revived market, which reopened in Littlehampton in July, features butchers, bakers, and even the sought-after weekly Community Market Stall for local charities.
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Local vendors Andrew Sleeman and Alf Franks, who teamed up to relaunch the market, told the BBC that the market hadn’t simply returned “bigger and better” but provided what residents desired.
Mr Sleeman said: “People wanted butchers, bakers, and fruit and veg stalls, which we have brought in. It’s paying off, and the street is looking busy.”
Generating numerous excited reactions from Littlehampton locals, one popular community page posted on Facebook in August: “Although the market doesn’t start till 9am, I can confirm that for the first time in a very long time, our little town has a green grocer and butchers!”.
One shopper with mobility challenges shared: “It was great to get down to the market today and see it was so busy. I have missed having a stroll around town the past couple of years due to mobility and health issues, and have missed having a wonder, browsing around the market”.
Another reported: “Butchers sold out of sausages, bacon, and chicken by 11am, and the green grocer’s very busy. Amazing to see our town buzzing and alive”. And one more confirmed: “We bought some lovely fruit and veg. The strawberries, though small, are super tasty and sweet.” On the whole, the feedback appears overwhelmingly encouraging.
In a different post from the Littlehampton page, one local resident commented: “More and more shops are coming to the area, the market has created a great vibe and more positivity for Littlehampton.”
Whilst another contributed: “For all the naysayers – think about the glass being half full instead of always half empty. Littlehampton has had a huge upsurge. Rejoice in it and try and support the shops.”
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Regarding security concerns, in March, Chief Inspector William Keating Jones, district commander for Arun and Chichester, stated: “Our officers are working hard with partner agencies to address the causes and tackle problems caused by antisocial behaviour and crime.”
He continued: “Our officers are working hard alongside partner agencies to address the causes and to tackle the problems caused by antisocial behaviour and crime.”
“Every Friday, from 9am to 3pm, the High Street comes alive with the bustling market. Just a few days ago, Littlehampton Town Council took to Facebook to encourage locals to “come along, explore the stalls and support all our amazing local businesses!”
Earlier this year, Arun Council put out an online call for new operators, outlining their vision for the revamped market: “The proposed market will offer up to twenty 3m x 3m pitches along the central pedestrianised high street, to assist the revitalisation of the area with a carefully curated selection of stalls that boost the local economy and attract increased footfall.”
Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper, Chair of the Licensing Committee at Arun District Council, said: “This is about curating a market offer that enhances what’s already here. We want to create a vibrant, welcoming space that supports local businesses, attracts visitors, and adds real value to the town centre.”
“We’re encouraging quality market operators to come forward and tell us about their offer, and we will only select those who can genuinely contribute to the town’s future and help us build something special for the community.”