6:00pm Wednesday 8th July 2009
By Peter Magill
MARKET traders in Burnley are riding out the recession and customers are not deserting the town's traditional stalls, a senior councillor says.
Stall leases at Burnley's indoor market are performing better than start-of-year predictions, a meeting of the borough's full council will be told.
And footfall at the Curzon Street market is holding up to 2008 levels, says deputy council leader and finance portfolio holder Coun Margaret Lishman.
But times continue to be tough for independent shops across the town centre, councillors are set to hear, as consumer confidence is slow to return.
Coun Lishman said in a full council briefing: "We are maintaining our footfall levels at 2008 levels which, given the retail climate, is indicative of a good, solid repeat customer base."
The market occupancy level is currently 92 per cent, against an estimated 82 per cent, after seven new units were secured and a replacement trader was found for a departing fruit and vegetable outfit.
Coun Lishman added: "In the current climate this is a success story. Once these new businesses have all settled in, we will be reinforcing our offer with both existing customers and seeking to make new customers aware of our (markets)."
Plans are also in place for a new escalator to be installed, linking the Curzon Street entrance to the market hall, with work scheduled to take place before the end of October.
But prospects are not looking as rosy for the venue's open market, to the rear of the main market hall, which hosts regular flea sales.
Coun Lishman added: "The open market however remains a difficult trading option and a review of this is under way."
Recently a scheme has been launched by the council to allow small traders and businesses the chance to check whether they are entitled to any rate relief.
The project so far has saved firms around £55,000 and more publicity is set to be given to the initiative in the coming weeks.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/trade_directory/