MARKET stallholders have slammed their council landlords for increasing their rents by an annual average of £1,500 - a rise which could send some traders to the wall.

Blackburn market's three day traders secured an important meeting with Blackburn Council after lodging a 58-name petition to discuss their future.

The petition was presented to development services councillors at their recent meeting and the chairman has now agreed to meet with traders next month.

"I'm very pleased that the council has decided to listen to us," said Bill Shaw, chairman of the three day Market Traders Association.

"These rent rises are completely unjustified and I don't think any increase is fair. It is very important for the future of the market that we discuss rents with the council.

"These rises could be the nail in some traders' coffins. Some stalls are still empty and any further loss will just detract from the market's appeal."

The new rents have been introduced following a 15 month freeze on increases and the average rise is £25 to £30 per week.

The council says the increases demonstrate its commitment to putting the customer first.

Development services committee chairman, Andy Kay, said: "The main aim of the market is to provide the public with a pleasant, comfortable and hygienic environment for shopping. I think this is a reasonable increase.

"We want to fill the stalls not empty them. I know they face competition from out of town shopping but we have to find ways of generating more interest in the market."

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