SHOPPERS and traders are reeling after a shock announcement that one of the New Forest's most popular markets is to close next week.

Traders setting up their stalls at Hythe Market yesterday were horrified to learn that the operator, Enterprise Markets, is pulling out of the venture.

Customers were equally stunned - and soon started queueing up to sign a petition launched by some of the 40 stallholders.

The market draws a large number of shoppers to Hythe every Tuesday and provides vital spin-off trade for stores in the surrounding streets.

Shopper Brenda Doel, of Rosebery Avenue, Hythe, said: "The market is the centre of the village on Tuesdays.

"It attracts a lot of people - many of whom visit the shops as well as the market.

"Pupils of Noadswood School have done shopping surveys and established that there's more activity in Hythe on Tuesdays than any other day.''

Nik Nikandrou, chairman of Hythe Business Partnership, said: "A lot of traders in the centre of Hythe will be badly affected if the market closes.''

The Save Our Market petition has been launched by stallholders John and Jenny Hackett, of Blackfield.

Mrs Hackett said: "We didn't know anything was wrong until 8am yesterday, when the market manager came over and said he had some bad news.

"He told us that the market will close next Tuesday, which came as a complete shock to everyone.

"It's a very popular market that attracts shoppers from a wide area, including people who come over on the ferry from Southampton.''

Market manager Gary Brown, 41, said: "I'm gutted and so are all the stallholders.

"The market is very popular with the locals. We also have a loyal band of traders, some of whom come from as far afield as Brighton, Winchester and Portsmouth. I've contacted New Forest Council and offered to run the event myself.''

A council spokesman said: "The company that runs the market says it can no longer continue to operate at Hythe and has decided to terminate its lease with the council.

"They've given us a legitimate reason for their decision, but I'm not prepared to go into detail.''

The spokesman confirmed that Mr Brown had approached the council and offered to run the market himself.

He added: "It's something we're looking at, but we have to take account of various financial and audit considerations before we can let a contract.''

An Enterprise Markets spokesman declined to comment.