Town market was almost empty at the weekend after rent rise for traders

During the lockdown, the town centre has become much quieter on Saturdays as the banks are closed, which is causing fewer residents to come into the town.

But one Mansfield resident is joining traders in criticising the council for the rent hyke, saying the authority has put up prices at a time when it should be helping stall-holders to get back on their feet.

Chris Johnson, 48, from Mansfield, said: “It was about two thirds full at the beginning but every time I've been in since there have been fewer and fewer stalls.

“Last Saturday there were only three or maybe four in use. What doesn't help is that on Saturdays the banks aren't even open so it's far quieter than mid week.

“They've put the price up for each stall by I think £18, which is crazy when there is far less foot traffic in Mansfield than before.

Last week, your Chad reported that traders had been left outraged after the council announced the fee increase, which reflects the prominent position of some stalls on the market.

One trader, who asked not to be named, said: “We were told that they were planning a rent reduction. Stalls are rated based on position, so this affects all of those on the original ‘c’ rating.

“We have had no money coming in for months and have no idea if the market will be busy, so how can they justify raising our basic costs?

“We don’t even have any public toilets open to go to - that’s putting traders and customers off from coming into town already.”

But Councillor Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for regeneration and grown at Mansfield District Council defended the move, saying that many traders preferred the new flat-fee approach.

“He said: “The proposed fee structure means that rent has actually reduced for the vast majority of stallholders, and several traders have said they prefer the improved layout.”

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