I write to thank Adrian Harrison for his views (Guardian, April 17), expressed on behalf of the Epping market traders. There is one indisputable fact about the day the Tour de France comes to town - with an intermediate sprint finish in the High Street, that area is not available for anyone apart from the Tour and spectators.

On hearing the news that there would be no market on July 7, my main concern was to know that any possible alternatives had been looked at. To that end my suggestions included the Monday market in a car park, or a Sunday market instead (July 6 is the day of the Town Show). It appears that, for various practical reasons, those options don't work.

Sorry Mr Harrison - the market is an important component of Epping life, and I now understand that the High Street is the only place for you. At least the market will only be missing for one week, and this event won't be back here in our lifetimes!

John Buckmaster, St Johns Road, Epping