West Malling Farmers Market Under Threat: Green Party Stands with Farmers Against Parking Restrictions

At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we believe in Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. Our commitment to supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture is unwavering, and we are deeply concerned about the threat facing the West Malling Farmers Market, one of Kent’s longest-running markets.

A 25-Year Tradition at Risk

For 25 years, the West Malling Farmers Market has been a cornerstone of the community, operating on the fourth Sunday of every month. However, new parking restrictions introduced by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council are putting this beloved institution at risk. From March 3, the council imposed a four-hour maximum stay in all of West Malling’s car parks and on-street parking spaces, making it nearly impossible for stallholders to operate.

Stallholders, who typically arrive at 7am and leave by 3pm to set up and clear the site, are now faced with a dilemma. As Cllr Trudy Dean, chairman of West Malling Parish Council, explained, “If they can only have four hours of parking, they can’t open.”

A Community Fights Back

The borough council has suggested that stallholders park within the High Street market area, which is closed to traffic. However, this would only accommodate half the stalls, potentially making the market financially unviable. In response, a petition signed by 2,401 people was handed to Deputy Mayor Cllr Chris Brown, calling for the four-hour limit to be lifted.

Under council rules, any petition with more than 1,500 signatures must be debated. This will now take place at the cabinet meeting on April 1. However, with the next market scheduled for March 23, the future of this vital community event remains uncertain.

Green Party Support for Farmers

The Green Party has always stood with farmers, recognising their crucial role in ensuring food security, supporting rural communities, and protecting the environment. Cllr Mark Hood, who sits on the KCC Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee and the KCC Growth and Economic Development Committee, has been a vocal advocate for sustainable agriculture and fair treatment for local farmers

The challenges faced by the West Malling Farmers Market are part of a wider crisis in the farming sector. Across the UK, farmers are grappling with rising costs, unfair supply chains, and climate-related challenges. The Green Party’s co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, has joined campaigners in urging the government to reconsider proposed inheritance tax reforms that could disproportionately harm family-run farms.

“We need a fairer approach that targets speculative investors and corporations, while safeguarding the vital contributions of small farms to rural communities, food security, and environmental stewardship,” Ramsay said.

A Call for Action

The Tonbridge &Malling Green Party is calling for:

• Fair parking policies that support local markets and businesses.
• Increased investment in sustainable farming practices.
• Reforms to unfair supply chains that favour large retailers at the expense of local farmers.
• Protection for family farms through fair tax policies.

Working Hard for Kent

The threat to the West Malling Farmers Market is a stark reminder of the importance of standing up for local businesses and communities. At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we are committed to Working Hard, Not Just During Elections, to ensure that farmers and small businesses have the support they need to thrive.

If you’d like to support our efforts or get involved, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can build a fairer, greener future for Kent.

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