TRADERS at Accrington's market hall hit back this week at a suggestion that it should be knocked down to make way for a smaller, purpose-built market.

The idea to pull the building down was made by a trader whose comments were reported in last week's Citizen. But another trader, John Wood, 56, has defended the market hall.

John, who is the proprietor of Doug's, which sells knitwear and underwear in the market hall, said: "We have a wonderful business here and these comments are not representative of us, and have caused upset amongst traders in the market hall.

"People who trade outside are just fly-by-night casual traders. My stall is run by my wife and daughter and is a perfect family business."

He added: "It is ridiculous to say that we want the market hall demolished. We are happy to trade in the market hall and people like to shop here. We like it as it is and shoppers do as well. We think the market hall should go on forever."

"If the market was knocked down it would lose its character, and shoppers like the personal service and clarity of sale they get at the market."

John added: "There is a more genuine service than you would get at a supermarket. We have traded at nine markets in different towns and Accrington is a wonderful market."

Mr Wood said that his opinions were shared by other traders within the market hall.

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