FEW people envisaged this would be a problem when the Christmas market was launched ten years ago.

It is now so successful that it is in danger of seriously harming the independent permanent shopkeepers.

Winchester launched a market to cash in on the festive season. But now the city is packed with so many people that local customers are staying away and most of the visitors head for the Cathedral Close.

It is a very serious issue that the city council and cathedral would be wise to tackle. No-one is arguing the markets and the ice rink should be banned.

One of the main year-round attractions of Winchester lies in its high number of independent traders. Visitors do not go home and say ‘I had a terrific experience in Boots or Smiths’, fine shops that they are. But they do go home and spread the word about the independent shops, cafes and pubs.

We report that some businesses are considering their future including a restaurant, hairdressers and architect.

Jeremy France, the jeweller, told us that he lost a day’s trade when the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck was parked nearby on The Broadway.

There is no doubt that the balance between the markets and the permanent shops is now askew and the authorities including the city council, Business Improvement District and cathedral should meet to discuss solutions.

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