Sir.–Councillor Ranil Jayawardena tells us that we “cannot stand still and leave things just as they are when they are not working”.

Does he live in the same town as I do? When has Basingstoke ever stood still?

I have been privileged to live in the historic part of the town for 40 years. During this time, I have seen numerous changes.

We have made mistakes, and if we don’t stand up now and take notice of what Cllr Jayawardena is leading us towards at the Top of The Town, there will be many more mistakes made.

The old market has been with us since the Middle Ages – as the Basingstoke Heritage Society plaque will tell you – and yes, it has varied in its vibrancy over the years, but Cllr Jayawardena’s latest idea could finish it off totally!

Telling loyal market holders that they must give up one of their Saturdays is insensitive and unfair.

By all means try the Farmers’ Market again, if you must, but on a different day or alongside our market. Basingstoke people supported the Farmers’ Market before, but the novelty soon wore off, despite council advertising.

We are blessed with numerous dance groups, singers and actors in this town – arranging a carnival of entertainment along London Street and Winchester Street, when our own market is operating, will bring vitality to the town and help the traders.

I challenge Cllr Jayawardena to roll up his sleeves and get down to arranging this – and maybe he could apologise to traders for his thoughtlessness. –Hannah Williams, Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke.

Sir.–I am appalled after reading your article in The Gazette where the traders are being told they have to make way for a Farmers’ Market once a month.

What idiot thought that one up? Why should traders who trade every week be told the Farmers’ Market takes priority? Are Sainsbury’s, Iceland, Tesco and other food shops also being closed on those days? Are the Farmers’ Market afraid of competition?

What about the people of Basingstoke who use the market traders on a weekly basis – were we consulted?

Scandalous – if this goes ahead I will not be shopping there! Where is the petition, I want to sign? –Diane Lovett Canberra Way, Beggarwood, Basingstoke.

Sir.–The return of the Farmers’ Market is a most welcome development for all the reasons presented in your article.

However, your readers are unlikely to know that this not-for-profit organisation insists on having exclusive use of the Top of The Town on its market days, if it is to return at all.

Unfortunately, if the council’s portfolio holder agrees such exclusivity, he will displace the existing and very loyal traders who have manned their stalls year in, year out, in all weathers to serve the folk of Basingstoke.

The existing market traders deserve to be accommodated alongside the farmers. We are as they say, “all in it together.” –Rob Blay, UKIP, North East Hampshire.