Popular market closes due to rise in crime

A popular weekly market in Littlehampton is set to close due to concerns over an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Littlehampton Market, which is in the High Street and opens every Fridays, will close on 28 March.

The owner wrote on Facebook there had been a theft and assault on a trader on 21 February adding: "I am saddened to announce we have lost another long-term market trader.

"Unfortunately the High Street is becoming a haven for drug and alcohol abuse, constant thefts and violence towards our traders and customers."

They continued: "I am not sure we can, for much longer, give a safe environment for our market traders to trade."

The owner added they are looking for another site and hope the market will re-open soon.

Resident Michael McNamara said the closure was "another nail in the coffin for the town".

Margaret McNamara added: "I think it's a real shame because it brings people into the town but unfortunately there's a lot of undesirables."

Richard from the Butternut Box stall in the town centre said he was "surprised" to learn Littlehampton Market is closing and added he noticed an increase in anti-social behaviour.

"There's a lot of that going on, particularly drink and drug use. There's a lot of gatherings on the benches, there's quite a lot of domestic situations happening, you hear people arguing in public," he said.

Littlehampton Town Council said the decision is "disappointing".

"Like many towns, anti-social behaviour and crime incidents occur in Littlehampton, and these are being addressed by the Local Neighbourhood Policing Team and the district council's Community Safety Team with a robust approach to street drinking, anti-social behaviour and crime," a spokesperson said.

District Commander Ch Insp William Keating-Jones said: "We understand the impact anti-social behaviour has in our communities, including in Littlehampton town centre.

"Our officers are working hard with partner agencies to address the causes and tackle problems caused by anti-social behaviour and crime.

"Our Neighbourhood Policing Team will liaise with market traders to understand and address the concerns they have raised."

Insp Keating-Jones added authorities will continue to patrol the town.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.