Market traders who make up the ‘lifeblood’ of Bolton have called for more support before cost-of-living pressures force stalls to close.

Bolton Market has long been one of the town centre’s best loved attractions and a key centre for independent businesses to thrive.

But over recent months, with traders battered by rising costs of fuel, materials, and prices across the board, many have said the urgently need more support or stalls could be driven out of business.

Martin Farrimond, who runs the Unsworth Deli stall, said: “We all get very, very frustrated because the council seem to put massive amounts of effort into this food festival and promoting the food festival but we are the people who rail, hail or shine, we’re here every day.

The Bolton News:

Martin Farrimond's Unsworth Deli stall

He added: “We’ve had these electricity price rises over the last few months which are absolutely outrageous, we know people are suffering, we’re all suffering but during lockdown we’re the same people who kept Bolton fed.

“For six months, we were the heroes but then all of a sudden everyone forgets about you.”

Mr Farrimond added that in many cases, traders have been left with no choice but to lay off staff simply to be able to go on paying rent and that some of his colleagues have been considering having to close their businesses after having been market fixtures for decades.

He said: “I think people don’t understand the severity of the situation.

“The people of Bolton haven’t got much money I understand that but we need the council to understand that we need understanding, we need time.”

He added: “The people of Bolton can’t be expected to pay prices double what they were paying three or four months ago.”

The Bolton News:

Bolton North MP Mark Logan

The call has been echoed by some of the borough’s politicians.

Mark Logan MP said: "Bolton's market traders are the lifeblood of Bolton. 

“These small independent businesses give Bolton our distinct character and offer unmatched service.

“Join me and do your bit by shopping local and supporting our local community."

But Bolton Council says that it hopes its planned redevelopments will boost the market's popularity.

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A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “The award-winning Bolton Market is a popular destination for both residents and visitors, and it is an integral part of our ongoing town centre regeneration masterplan.

“Using money from the government’s Towns Fund we will be making significant improvements to the market, alongside other projects to improve connectivity to the rest of the town centre.

“All businesses will remain open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am-5pm whilst work is carried out.

“Pedestrian access via Black Horse Street will remain open throughout, while the car park entrance has been temporarily moved to Ormrod Street.

“Meanwhile, the Moor Lane development will help make this area of the town centre more vibrant and bring many potential new customers right to the market’s doorstep.”