Penarth flea market moving out of the Old Kitchener's site

After the shock announcement Wetherspoon’s will close the Bears Head pub on Windsor Road, now, just next door to it, the popular flea market is packing up in the Old Kitchener’s site.

It’s said to be due to the landlord beginning renovation work on the property and while there was no ill-feeling between flea market organiser Jacquie Dymock and the landlord, Ms Dymock was left disappointed at the current state of Penarth’s high street.

Penarth Times revealed on March 29 pub goliath Wetherspoons had activated a break clause in their lease with the landlord of the Bears Head and the pub will now close at a yet-to-be-set date.

For the flea market next door, it has until April 20 to pack its bags of unusual, one-of-a-kind goods and take out the fold up tables and clothing racks of all the small independent businesses.

Penarth's flea market is packing up (Image: Newsquest)

The flea market next to Bears Head pub, which is also leaving, has to be out by April 20 (Image: Newsquest)

Even though they are having to clear out, the flea market wants to continue and is looking for a premise to restart in.

In fact, Ms Dymock says the landlord of the Kitchener’s is even helping try find a space for the flea market.

Despite this, Ms Dymock despaired at what is currently happening to the centre of Penarth.

“All we are going to be left with on this side of the street is two travel agents and Wasons,” said Ms Dymock.

“People aren’t going to come to Penarth just for that, and people love coming to Penarth. People are absolutely gutted.”

The flea market has proven to be popular with independent traders and customers alike (Image: Newsquest)

The market is known for its unusual items (Image: Newsquest)

Penarth’s flea market opened in April last year to rip roaring success.

Playing their funky tunes on the stereo at the door of the shop to liven up the town, the flea market gave independent traders the chance to flog their wares in rented shop space.

The flea market sold an array of items (Image: Newsquest)

Debra the zebra will have to find a new home (Image: Newsquest)

Read more:

• Penarth's flea market on Windsor Road keeps on growing
• Petition set up to save Penarth's Bears Head pub

One of the stalls that has been at the flea market from the very beginning was run by "Scouse" with his eclectic collection of ornaments and decorations, including a full sized model zebra called Debra.

Now, Scouse says Debra will have to find a temporary new home.

He said of the flea market: “The people of Penarth like to come and see the nostalgia items. We have 1930s items. It all helps evoke memories for people.”

On his time at the flea market, Scouse said: “I have had a very good 12 months trading.”

The landlord of the Old Kitchener's site was contacted for comment.

What do you think about the flea market packing up? Miss it? Used it? Liked it? What do you think about the state of Windsor Road right now? What’s the shopping experience like for you in Penarth? Got a space the flea market could go into? Know a place that’s free? What should go in the Old Kitchener’s site?

Let us know all your thoughts in comments, on our Facebook page, or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.

Got a story in Penarth? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.