Preston's outdoor market traders let down by council over unsuitable conditions
Preston’s outdoor market has only been in its new temporary locations for two weeks but the problems are already mounting say traders.
The relocation of Preston’s outdoor covered market took place on Tuesday, October 21, with all stall holders having to move to one of two temporary areas: the Box Market canopy and the front canopy, by the Wallace and Gromit bench.
The move had already been shrouded in controvery before taking place.
When the news was first announced back in May, traders shared their discontent at the upheaval and the lack of transparency from the council, then as the moving date drew closer, traders expressed their anger as they felt they had been lied to about the reason behind the move.
The reason given for the market reloction was that work needed to be carried out at Amounderness House, Earl Street, but the ensuing health and safety concerns prompting the markets move has not got in the way of plans to install an outdoor ice rink at the outdoor market later this month.
Nevertheless the move did get underway but now nearly three weeks on, traders have spoken up again about the problems they have encounted.
The most pressing this week has been the lack of protection against the challenging weather, 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.
“Sadly under the Box Market, where containers take up 3/4s of the market, we are squashed in at the top end and open to the elements. We've suggested a number of ideas but have been told the council have no budget regarding the markets.”
Preston City Council has installed metal fences that are supposed to ward off the rain and wind but traders have called these weather proofing attempts “staggering”, themselves attaching sheets to the fences in the hope of providing more protection.
Even with these attempts however, stock on many stalls has been damaged, and traders say people online have said the market now looks like a shanty town, much to their humiliation.
Ian, who has worked on the covered outdoor market for eight years, added: “The past month, due to the unprepared forced move, has had a serious impact on my mental health and financial earnings . We prepare for January and February being quiet and we put in the extra hours before and leading up to Christmas to cover this but the move has drastically seen a decline in footfall and damage to stock .
“As a trader we are use to the bad weather but without any support from the council with regards to weather protection and now parking the market won’t survive .
“We have had very little communication from the council and too many broken promises. My family have been market traders for three generations and it’s heartbreaking to see the decline.
“The council admitted they had no funding to help us, we just wish they had allowed us to carry on trading on the main market until January then we could have had a fighting chance of survival. Small business owners struggle enough and Preston council has almost killed off what is left of what was once a thriving town. Proud Preston- more like poor Preston.”
Aside from the weather, traders’ prior complaints about the reduced number of loading bays in their new location has worsened too.
Traders report that the very fences aimed at ‘protecting’ the stalls from rain and wind have blocked one of the few oading and unloading areas now available to them.
Additionally, arrangements for disabled parking is causing another issue.
Although designated blue badge parking is now on Birley Street, traders say it is not well signposted so some are still parking on Earl Street regardless of the road alterations.
In response to the recent complaints, Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources at Preston City Council said: “The relocation of market traders was necessary for the redevelopment, by Preston City Council, of Amounderness House which will see a £9M investment in the City Centre.
“The relocation of the Outdoor Market stalls has now taken place and we can ensure that traders continue to stand at Preston Markets, which is our utmost priority.
“Earlier this week, we commenced the installation of temporary measures to shield traders from inclement weather whilst a more permanent plan developed. Officers met with traders to determine the best way possible to weatherproof the area whilst also allowing access to stalls. A temporary plan has been agreed with traders and waterproof sheeting will be installed to the fence as soon as possible. We will continue to support the traders in their new temporary location with the objective of ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.
“We are aware that changes to road layout have reduced the amount of disabled parking spaces. There is still disabled parking available on Birley Street and at the new Animate car park both of which are within close proximity to Preston Markets.”
Following the trader’s complaints to the council, it was also revealed to the Post that they may be able to move back to their original Lancaster Road site earlier than expected.
We approached the council again with this and a Preston City Council spokesperson: “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.”