The news that east London’s Dagenham Market is set to close permanently has been met with disappointment, not least from the residents of Barking and Dagenham, but also the council’s Leader. The market, a popular place to snap up a bargain, often sees up to 15,000 visitors heading there every Sunday.

It is a huge shame the owners of the market have taken the decision to close permanently. We’re sorry to hear the news as the market has a strong history in Barking and Dagenham and has been at three different locations in the borough over the years.

It comes as the company which operates the market says it will be unable to comply with regulations required as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell said: “It is a huge shame the owners of the market have taken the decision to close permanently. We’re sorry to hear the news as the market has a strong history in Barking and Dagenham and has been at three different locations in the borough over the years.

“The land the market is located on is not Council owned but owned privately, and we understand the landowners have not charged any rent since the lockdown started, recognising that the pandemic is hitting local businesses and market traders really hard. With that in mind, we hoped we would see the market reopen once the lockdown restrictions started easing. We are hopeful that whatever comes to the site in the future will be of benefit to all of our communities. I am also having conversations with some anchor institutions, around using this area to create a community focused cultural offer, which would be great for residents, as that part of the borough is a real destination – our very own Barcelona on Thames.”