Preston market traders say they were left in chaos after being forced to relocate to the old fish market, with poor organisation, lack of weather protection and ongoing disruption from the city’s ice rink causing financial and mental strain.

Preston market traders have spoken of widespread frustration and financial stress following a poorly managed relocation to the old fish market, which coincided with the city’s annual ice rink.

According to traders, no consultations took place between Preston City Council and market stallholders until Monday, October, 13, a week before the move was scheduled.

During a council meeting that day, traders raised concerns about weatherproofing, the ice rink and logistical issues.

placeholder image — Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

They offered practical solutions, noting that the council had builders and event organisers present who could assist, but claim these ideas were largely ignored.

The move took place on Tuesday, October, 21 and, traders say, descended into a “fiasco.” Tables were unorganised, there was no weatherproofing and signage to direct customers to the new site was absent.

A week later, road closures and nearby works further disrupted trading. Traders say parking and unloading became nearly impossible, McDonald’s delivery vans could not access the site.

Even basic measures to mitigate bad weather were reportedly ignored.

A trader on Preston Market said: “We asked what budget was available for weatherproofing and were told: ‘we have no budget.’”

Others have considered crowdfunding their own weather screens to protect stock.

Traders also report mental health and stress concerns with incomes down by as much as 50%, and uncertainty over rent payments.

One trader said: “We are used to bad weather, but this is heartbreaking. People are worried about paying bills.”

The city’s ice rink has also been a source of disruption. Traders report frequent closures, leaks into the indoor market, and blocked business frontages.

Local businesses, including the Lancaster Gate Pub and Mini Dunes coffee shop, say the rink’s setup has negatively impacted trade, damaged property and created ongoing operational headaches.

Preston outdoor market traders who are unhappy about their upcoming move. | National World

One trader said: “We were told we might move back to the larger outdoor area, but nothing has been agreed. It feels like we’re going to be stuck here.”

Owner of Lancaster Gate Pub, Steven Fludder on Facebook, said: “We fully support Preston having an ice rink, it's a great idea for the city.

“But we now have damage to two of our toilets from people constantly coming in who are not customers, even though we have clear signs asking people not to use them unless they are.

“On many nights, the bar and food are not even open, so we are just left facing a derelict looking fence, which makes us look closed.

“That directly affects our business. I am a proud Prestonian, always have been. But the ice keeps melting and it closes for days at a time so it keeps closing, the fence collapses nonstop, and this is not a good look for our business at all as pretty as the ice rink is shown in videos it's not the best view for us.”

A more recent update from the owners of Lancaster Gate Pub suggests that action has been taken by the Council.

Lancaster Gate Pub on Facebook, said: “A massive thank you to Tim Joel from Preston City Council, Mark from Preston BID, and the Preston On Ice team for stepping in to support both our pub and Mini Dunes.

“Following this a more recent update the skating site has some units being restructured and repositioned, so it no longer blocks our businesses, mostly the Primal Feasts units that being relocated so a special thanks for them. “

Preston City Council has previously stated it is working with local businesses and the Preston On Ice team to make adjustments, including relocating cabins and offering extra winter-themed attractions.

A spokesperson from Preston City Council, said: “Preston City Council have been liaising with local businesses and the ice rink operators to find acceptable solutions that work for all parties concerned.

“The ice rink has been a big draw for the city and its Christmas offer this year and will continue to attract more visitors to the area throughout the festive period.

“Unfortunately, due to forces of nature out of our control, ‘real ice’ rinks up and down the country are battling with unusually warm seasonal temperatures and the operators are doing everything they can to keep the ice rink both safe and open for everyone to enjoy.

“They are monitoring the forecast on a daily basis and making the necessary adjustments.

“Additional winter-themed walkabout fun has been booked in with local company Wolf Entertainment to complement the planned activities in and around the Market, Animate and Preston on Ice this Christmas, starting 11 December through to 31 December.”