Rent rises for some Mansfield market stall holders
Mansfield market has reopened after lockdown rules were relaxed by government, but some stall holders have complained that rents have been increased for the reopening.
Mansfield market used to be the thriving centre of the town but many changes over the years mean the current market is smaller than in years gone by.
When stall holders ceased trading in March, they were left with no income stream and an uncertain future.
And when given the news that markets would reopen, stall holders did not anticipate that some rents would be increased.
One trader, who wished to remain anonymous said: “We were told that they were planning a rent reduction.
“Stalls are rated based on position, so this affects all 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.”
Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “From Friday June 5, market traders will return to sell their goods in a new layout to support social distancing.
“A revised allocation process has been devised along with an interim proposed flat fee structure to reflect the new layout and the equal, prominent positioning of the stalls.
“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.”