WITH its very future at stake, Hereford Buttermarket has received a big boost from the people who know it best as traders say they are sure the site can survive the loss of an 80-year stalwart – and go on for a lot longer yet.

As Peacocks pulls its pitch out of the Buttermarket, Len Tawn, chairman of the Buttermarket Traders Association, sees an opportunity.

Peacocks may be going but 20 locally owned and run businesses are staying put, and the empty space won’t be empty for long, said Mr Tawn, whose family firm has been in the Buttermarket for 50 years.

“Peacocks was purely an economic decision and, while we are all sad to see them go, their departure represents a chance for positive changes to be made.

“The space that Peacocks will leave is an opportunity for new and complementary businesses to come into the market and the council has already had several inquiries from suitable tenants,” he said.

Over recent months, the Buttermarket has been brought into the orbit of the Edgar Street Grid project and there is even talk about how the site might make the link between the city centre and grid itself.

While waiting for a new occupant, the Peacocks pitch will be put to promotional use.

Mr Tawn would like to see the space used to show what the future of the market may be once the consultation over plans gets underway.

“Through consultation with the council and the public, we are confident of a promising future for the Buttermarket,” he said.