Market operator looking at three new sites after announcing final closure date

The operator of a popular East Coast market is investigating new sites after announcing the last event will be held on October 25.

More than 12,000 people signed petitions after the news of the closure of the market and carboot, near Skipsea, which has operated on the grounds of Skirlington leisure park, was first announced.

It came after the park’s new owners Unity Holidays announced plans to increase the number of caravans and install new leisure facilities for holidaymakers.

Last month East Riding Council’s planning committee deferred making a decision on a change of use application for discussions to take place between the two parties.

Market operator Tom Parry, son-in-law of Keith Bemrose, who started the market in 1986, said these had been “very productive” and Unity Holidays had agreed to help with some of the relocation costs.

Offers had come in to hold the events at Winestead Hall, the old polo club at Tickton, and on land across the road from Skirlington.

Mr Parry said they could swap their regular Tuesday carboot at Strawberry Fields near Bridlington to a Sunday, but that would dilute the Skirlington Market brand, adding: “If we can’t find a site in time or none of them are possible, rather than lose momentum we would come to Strawberry Fields”.

He said: "The moment we gave the (closing) date that’s when all these people came out the woodwork. At the moment I’m visiting sites trying to work out which will be the best.”

Councillors are being recommended to approve plans to add another 73 caravans and 18 lodges to the park, which already has over 900 units, at a meeting on Thursday. Unity Holidays argues that 60 of the units are to make up for pitches lost to the sea due to coastal erosion.