The petition’s letter, which will be sent to Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, states there is “deep concern over the effect the council’s decision will have on the stall holders and wider community”.

“I feel that the council is treating it as a business asset to be sold-off, and creating a situation in which one business owner monopolises markets in our region,” it read.

After 14 years, friends and business partners Jenny Briscoe-Hough and Lara Seresin lost their bid to continue operating the popular venture after a public quotation process.

The licence was handed to the businesswoman behind the Foragers franchise, Kirrily Sinclair.

In a media release, Wollongong council said there were four submissions to run the Friday Produce and Creative Markets, and three submissions for the night food markets – known as Eat Street.

Economic development manager Mark Grimson said the submissions were “of a high calibre and were assessed by a panel against eight criteria”.

He said the council’s criteria for assessing the markets were aligned with council’s new mall Activity Policy that would “deliver a strong sense of place for the community and other stakeholders”.

The decision has sparked outrage around the community, many airing their opinions on the Illawarra Mercury’s Facebook page.

Stonecold Steveo wrote: “Dog act Wollongong council. Maybe ask these ladies to work for you and show you how to make a viable business, instead of tendering out for a bigger cut of the pie.”

Andy Roberts didn’t agree: “There should not have been markets and just opened it up to traffic.”

“Not nice at all - blow ins that are not very community at all,” posted Belinda Braid.

“Obviously the people of Wollongong have no say. Shellharbour Council and their good folk should worry,” wrote Lorraine Diaz.

Meanwhile “interim” markets are being run by council on Friday September 30.