A PETITION has been launched this week to bring back Grayshott market and it will be presented to the parish council at the assembly meeting on April 15.

The parish council, which owns the village square where the Saturday market was held, turned down an application last month to grant a new licence for 2016. The council was split over the decision and chairman John Frankcom used his casting vote after three councillors voted for and three against, with one abstention.

The online pettion states: “We, the undersigned, petition Grayshott Parish Council to reconsider its decision not to grant licences for a market in the village square for 2016”.

The Grayshott Square Events Group volunteers set up the market in April 2014, with the aim of boosting trade in the village and at its peak attracted more than 1,000 visitors. Last year it raised £5,000 for community causes.

But some Grayshott retailers objected to the market continuing this year, among their arguments they were losing substantial amounts of business on market days.

The Save Grayshott Market petition, launched by Marek Ujma, can be signed via the Grayshott.com website, online at www.change.org/ search for grayshott parish council market

Paper copies can also be signed at the Red Rose Tea Room in Headley Road, Grayshott.

lBUY In Grayshott shuts up shop, – see page 3.

HASLEMERE now has its very own Marks and Spencer food hall and cafe, which officially opened at 10am yesterday (Thursday) with glasses of Prosecco all round so customers could join in the celebrations.

Store manager Abby Pockett said she had already received a warm welcome and was delighted the new M&S at Lion Green had created 50 new jobs, and included long-serving staff members from the Co-op which formerly occupied the site.

“I think Haslemere is a lovely town and I am really keen for us to support local causes as our nominated staff charities,” said Abby (pictured).

“M&S has launched its own food redistribution scheme and I want to work with Haslemere Food Bank.

M&S will retain the Lion Green Post Office branch until May 18, when the Co-op’s original runs franchise agreement runs out.

The Post Office has pledged to continue its search to find suitable alternative premises. An interested applicant has come forward in the last month, with talks due to be held.