Market traders react angrily to market moving

The market will move to the site of the former Black Box

Market traders who are currently using the market in the Rochdale Exchange to trade have described the plan to move the market to the Black Box site as “disgusting,” “a joke” and “desperate”.

Traders were informed yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 10 December) that they had to vacate the current market site on Saturday 17 January before moving to a new and temporary site on the former Black Box site in February.

Steve Harrison, from Simply Flowers, who has been trading at the market for 21 years, said: “I think it’s a desperate move to be honest. We have been given six weeks’ notice and then come January we won’t be able to trade because the new market won’t be ready until February. People are really unhappy about it.”

Javed Iqbal, from Paradise Fruit and Veg, who has been trading at Rochdale market since 1985, doesn’t think he can continue once the market is moved outside. He said: “It’s disgusting. That’s the only way I can describe it. We have a system in place here that we can work with and if we go outside, we don’t know what to expect or what facilities will be available. If you think about it, we usually do a twelve hour day but we won’t be able to do that outside, especially in winter. My family won’t be able to do it outside.”

Barkat Hussain, who runs a watch repair stall, said: “I don’t feel good about it. The market has been here for years. I think it’s going to be hard outside, especially in the winter. I don’t know what I am going to do next to be honest.”

Tariq Muhammed, from Classic Shoes, a shop based in the market said: “We have a few weeks to move on and that’s not fair. I don’t know what’s next. I’m very worried.”

Clifford Harker, from the haberdashery stall, is another trader who doesn’t think he will be able to continue when the market is outside. He said: “I did the outside market for years and the reason I moved inside is because I couldn’t do it anymore. Once it is back outside I won’t be able to continue. We have been told the market is closing on 17 January but we have also been told we have to be out on that same day as well, so how do they expect us to trade and leave on the same day.”

Michael Hudson, from Craven’s Shoe Repair and Key Cutting, said: “It’s all a bit sudden and we haven’t really been given any notice as such. Five weeks is nothing. People like me and Clifford [from the haberdashery stall] can’t just move. Where am I supposed to put all of my equipment outside? I don’t know yet what I’m going to do so I’m just in limbo really until I can decide what to do next.”

Sandra Deed, from Tasty Bite, a café located in the market, said: “I think it’s the fact that it is such short notice that is upsetting people. How are we supposed to move out on 17 January after trading? Do we lose a full day’s trade to move or what? I know it’s hard for the traders but it’s going to be just as hard for us, we don’t know where we are going to go.”

Mark Hughes, from Paul’s Fruit and Veg, described the move as a joke. He said: “It’s a joke to be honest. We are being told that we have to move in January but then we won’t be able to trade for at least six weeks because there won’t be a market so what are we expected to do? This is people’s livelihoods that are being messed with. If things had been planned better and we could just move to the new market then I wouldn’t be as annoyed but to kick us out and then not give us anywhere to go is a joke.”

Ellie Dawson who trades on a Saturday said: “It’s disgusting. I sell handmade cards and teddies and the stock that I have can’t go outside. It’s disgusting. They haven’t thought about us at all.”

Shoppers who use the market are also reacting to the news with people having mixed reactions to the new plans.

Doreen Winn said: “Things are just getting further and further away and that’s a problem for people who can’t walk long distances or disabled people. As long as there is access for everyone then it should be ok. My only question is, what are they going to do with the space in the Exchange?”

Jacqueline Belfield said: “I don’t agree with it going outside. The market should be stay where it has always been. My parents wouldn’t recognise Rochdale if they came back today. It’s not a good idea going outside.”

Anthony Foster said: “I think you have to move with the times. Look at it now, it’s dead so maybe moving it outside will bring more people in. With it being near to the buses and the trams, more people might use it and that will be good for the traders. As long as I can get to my favourite fruit and veg stall then I don’t care where it is.”

In response to the question of what will happen to the building made for the market at the Exchange, Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Manager, said: “In light of the decision by Rochdale Borough Council to move the market, we will be looking at different options to redevelop and invest in the site with the aim of attracting new retailers to Rochdale Exchange, creating new jobs and improving the shopping experience for our visitors.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/93096/market-moving-from-exchange-shopping-centre-to-former-black-box-site