Preston's outdoor market traders can return to their original spot in the New Year

Back in October, traders on Preston’s covered outdoor market were told they had to move to one of two new locations - the Box Market canopy (formerly the old fish market) and the front canopy, by the Wallace and Gromit bench.

The forced relocation was due to the work being carried out at Amounderness House, Earl Street, although the health and safety concerns which prompted the markets move did not got in the way of the outdoor ice rink installatation at the outdoor market in late November.

Over the past two months, Preston market traders have spoken often of the widespread frustration and financial stress caused by the move.

As winter arrived the main stickling point was the lack of protection from the elements at their new locations, with trader Ian Butler telling us: “Over the three week period since we have moved, there has been to my knowledge five days of non trading due to the weather. Under the large canopy, since we moved there in 2017, we've not been affected by the weather once.”

The lack of weatherproofing also damaged stock and reduced football, whilst the issues with reduced loading bays has persisted.

These complaints prompted the council to suggest that traders would be able to move back to their original Lancaster Road site earlier than expected.

A Preston City Council spokesperson told the Post in early November: “Further to ongoing discussions with traders, we are considering the options of moving the traders back in the New Year, subject to highways and health and safety concerns being met. Further works are due to commence on Lancaster Road as part of the I&I works starting in spring which will also need to be taken into account.”

Until now, no more talk of their return had been mentioned - even as one stalwart of the market decided to shut shop last week after 34 years.

Pete Burns, who ran The Book Stop’s Here, claimed the move to the Old Fish Market had been “disasterous” and that trade had hit an all time low, meaning continuing the stall “would be doubtlessly not worth all the effort”.

Now however, Preston City Council has finally confirmed the early return will definitely go ahead in the New Year.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Cabinet Member for Resources and Deputy Leader at Preston City Council said: “We are pleased that we have found a solution to move the Outdoor Market traders back to the covered market area as of 19 January, once the temporary ice rink has vacated the site.

“This will be subject to some further logistics and access considerations to the site, to ensure the outdoor market does not encroach on construction and improvement works on Earl Street and Lancaster Road and that traders and customer safety remains a priority.

“Further details on access arrangements will be communicated to market traders in the new year.”