Traders hold protest over future of market

About 60 people attended the protest outside Coventry City Council's Friargate offices

A protest has been held over the future of Coventry's market, after traders said they could be forced to close because they have been hidden by hoardings.

Boards have been put up around the City Centre South development and traders said customers had been staying away, as they thought the market was shut.

About 60 people attended the protest outside the city council's Friargate offices on Thursday, following the closure of about half a dozen stalls, with more on the way.

In a statement issued by the authority and developers The Hill Group, they said when the development was complete, the market would be in a much better position.

The council-owned building is Grade II-listed due to its unique circular design, but hoardings were erected feet away, leaving large areas less accessible.

Traders said the market had been left isolated and harder to reach because of nearby demolition work.

Chris Charley said he was "very concerned"

Chris Charley, from the Indoor Market Traders Committee, said the site was losing a flower kiosk that would be leaving on Friday.

He added: "That's been a flower kiosk that's been in the market for 60 years that's passed from father to son.

"I'm very concerned. We're losing good, long-term stalls that have been the lifeblood of the market since its beginning."

Mr Charley said rents were being kept the same, "which is good".

But he added: "The actual traders have actually suffered a 35% to 55% decrease [in trade], depending on which stall you talk to.

"So although the rent has remained the same, if people have taken a 35% pay cut, they're not able to sustain and pay that."

Lindsay Jopling said fellow traders would give people advice

Lindsay Jopling, who has traded there for 60 years, said: "The obesity problem is growing, but down the market we've got such a lot of healthy food there.

"The traders will give you advice. You don't get that in the big stores."

Traders have complained that customer numbers have fallen

The council said it was talking to the traders, had installed clear signage and was promoting the fact the market was open.

The council said the planned £450m transformation of the centre of Coventry would mean 1,000 new homes, places to work, a hotel, cinema, retail and restaurants.

The Hill Group said it was happy to meet with traders and the council to discuss concerns.

The authority said that as a result of the redevelopment, the market position would be improved, with better and more visible access.