I WAS most surprised and dismayed to read of the cancellation of the contract for Kelly’s Plant Stall on Malton Market.

I am sure I would not be alone in saying that, as a keen gardener, the stall was one of the main reasons for visiting Malton on Saturday morning. The stall was always well- stocked with a good selection of plants and flowers at very reasonable prices. Kelly was always bright, cheerful and chatty with a good line of patter.

Whatever the reason for the loss of the stall, I think the market and town has lost a good asset and one that, from my experience of talking to friends and acquaintances, was an important draw for potential shoppers to the town on Saturdays. I am most surprised that, whatever the cause of what appears to have been a falling out, the Estate market manager was unable to find a solution to save an excellent stall and draw for Saturday shoppers. The town can ill-afford to lose yet another retail outlet, witness the ever rising number of empty premises.

R J Corbett, Leavening.

* ONCE again Malton market is in turmoil with the exclusion of Kelly Smith and her wonderful flower stall.

This young lady was always very fair with her prices, even at Christmas and for Mother’s Day, and the quality of her flowers was always first class. She and her father before her had the stall for more than 30 years. I think it is absolutely disgusting, and it is the people of Malton and surrounds who are suffering.

Andrew Newbould, Flaxton