I agree wholeheartedly with what Lorna Low says . (Letters, Nov 15).

The Dorchester Town Market in Fairfield must have a similar or better site if it has to be moved – over half of the existing market takes place under cover, which it needs to continue to do, to facilitate usage all year long, whatever the weather. (The same applies to the thriving weekly car boot in Fairfield). 

The indoor covered antique/bric-a-brac hall is a bustling concern, with a good proportion of traders leaving their stock locked up there permanently ready for the weekly market.

I help on a stall there each week, and buses come up from Weymouth, with holidaymakers from as far afield as Scotland, Wales, Ireland, London and Kent, not just in the Summer, but all year round, including Turkey and Tinsel tours at Christmas. For this same reason the market must continue to accommodate provision for the numerous coaches to pull in to drop off and pick up.

Dorchester has been an historic market town for over 150 years – long may it continue!

The new paving in South Street including the arcades is lovely, it is just such a shame that so many shops are empty!! Surely it would be nice to fill these, rather than try to build new ones on Fairfield car park, taking even more trade away from the Town Centre? 

Especially bearing in mind that a good proportion of the new Shop Units in Brewery Square remain unfilled, and that a lot of them are changing usage from retail to flats.

M Tigwell
Dorchester