Trader to quit market after latest relocation plan

Derek's Books has been part of Preston market for nearly 48 years

A veteran market trader said he was quitting his pitch because a decade of building work had seen stall owners regularly having to relocate.

Derek Walsh, 64, whose stall Derek's Books has been on Preston Market for nearly 48 years, said the latest message from Preston City Council about more building work had come as the "last straw".

The redevelopment of a former police station nearby means traders will have to move to another part of the market.

Council deputy leader Martyn Rawlinson said: "All traders have the opportunity to talk to the markets team on an individual basis to discuss their requirements and consultations are now under way."

Mr Walsh told the BBC he would still take his stall to Chorley and Garstang markets but added: "If I was 10 years younger I would be very concerned - at least I am nearing retirement age.

"It is the other traders I feel sorry for - in the current trading conditions this could kill the market off."

Derek Walsh says traders have endured 10 years of disruption

In a message on social media to customers he posted: "I received a letter from Preston City Council last Wednesday informing me that contractors will be starting work in mid-October to redevelop the old police station into offices.

"This will mean the loss of parking and the loading bays along Earl Street and the council has decided that all outdoor stalls should temporarily be relocated to the old fish market/small cover/ box market for approximately 18 months while the work is completed.

"This will cause considerable disruption, in what is an already fragile trading environment.

"So after nearly a decade of putting up with constant building work and being moved backwards and forwards while the market/cinema redevelopment was taking place, I've decided with a heavy heart that I will stop trading at Preston market after nearly 48 years' service."

'Smooth transition'

Councillor Rawlinson said he was "sad" to see the book stall leave, adding: "Derek has been a stalwart of Preston Markets for over 48 years and his stall has been well loved by customers across generations.

"His bright smile, knowledgeable and friendly service, plus a great range of books, has kept customers returning for many years, both to his stall and to his fellow traders on Preston Markets.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Derek for his long and distinguished service to Preston Markets and wish Derek the best of luck for the future."

He added that the council carefully considered the relocation of outdoor market traders, and to ensure a "smooth" transition as part of a £200m Harris Quarter Investment to improve the area around Preston Markets.

This was all designed, he said, to "attract more visitors, boost the economy and support the market traders".