AS a trader operating in the Open Market for more than five years, we feel that if it were redeveloped correctly (The Argus, March 29) it would be a focal point for Brighton that would equal The Lanes and Churchill Square as far as retail attraction is concerned.

In consultation with the redevelopment planners we have pointed out there is a distinct difference between a market and a shopping mall and they must not make the mistake of losing the special aura this market has.

Because of the closure of the Co-op department store and the opening of the new Sainsbury's, the established traders noticed a brief dip in trade followed by a return of the customers as soon as they realised the Open Market always had the goods they cannot now buy in the big shops.

It is true we would like to see some of the detail in the planning refined, especially as far as security and better car parking facilities are concerned.

This problem must be addressed, but the overall concept of the plan is very pleasant and will be, we are sure, a massive attraction to customers and the evergrowing student population.

We may indeed have the largest language school in Europe taking shape less than 500 yards from London Road.

None of the traders in the Open Market are there to become millionaires. We are there because we have found gaps in the retail market we know how to fill, at sensible prices because we have rather lower overheads than shopkeepers facing ever-increasing lease and business rate charges.

It is not rocket science to give the people what they want but please Mr Planner, remember it's a market, not a shopping mall.

  • Stewart Gover, proprietor, 29/30 Marshalls Row, London Road Open Market, Brighton