TRADERS in the Folly Market arcade in Petersfield are looking forward to a busy Christmas and a happy new year after fears the building was to be demolished proved groundless.

In the summer it came to light plans were being discussed to knock down the popular market building in the town centre, but it was later revealed the idea had been shelved.

Now jubilant traders are keen to get over the brief scare and get back to business as normal, but with a festive flavour.

All the family-run businesses inside are open in the run-up to Christmas, with most open Christmas Eve.

Traders in the Folly Market are keen to let shoppers know that, despite the summer rumours about the future of the building, they are still very much in business.

Elaine Eves, of Duncan Eves Jewellers, said: “It’s business as normal, and we are really looking forward to Christmas.”

Elizabeth Hayward, of Dragon Treasures, added: “We are open as usual over Christmas, and looking forward to it.”

Angie Hughes, of The Curiosity Shop, said: “We are open right up until Christmas starts, and would love to see more people come to the Folly Market and have a look around.”

After the demolition threat, all the traders were keen to let it be known their unit leases are valid until 2017, and at present none intend shutting up shop before then.

Mrs Hayward has had a shop in the Folly Market arcade since 1994, and says as far as she is concerned she isn’t going any where.

She said: “We will be open as usual until the leases run out in March 2017. We aren’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future.” Opening times for the shops from Christmas Eve to January 6 are advertised in the arcade.