Bolton Market traders concern over 'building site' development plan

This comes after the authority last week released further details on plans to move an access road five metres closer to the market and to relocate waste units, which officials say will be beneficial to traders.

Bolton Council hopes that this will be a key aspect of a multimillion pound masterplan to remake the area, but some traders have expressed scepticism about the long term gains and the disruption that such work is likely to have on their businesses.

Martin Farrimond, of Deli Boys, said: “It is going to have a significant effect on business, by virtue of the area becoming a building site.

“The council need to compensate the stall holders for reduced business.”

He added: “Bolton Market is of great value to the town but the council seem not to understand that being a trader is a tough existence.

“The proposed development is also of value but not at the expense of traders throwing the towel in, you cannot sell product if you don’t get the footfall.

“Bolton Council are reducing footfall in pursuit of their dreams.

“They need to take care of the market traders and compensate during this development period.

“If they don’t then within the next few years there won’t be a Bolton Market, another piece of history down the drain.”

Mr Farrimond also added threat of parking fines could put off customers from visiting the market.

He said: “Why would customers pay a parking fee when they can shop at the big supermarkets and stores for free?

“This together with the pandemic is making life very difficult for the traders.”

But the council has said that the plans will ultimately improve trade.

A spokesperson said: “We are working to minimise impact on the car park and for customers of the market.

“We will be creating a new public space that can be used for additional car parking or events and will also make it easier for pedestrians to access the markets, therefore increasing footfall and trade.”