Ousted trader misses 'thriving' market spot

Ravi Stone, 71, has relocated his cards and gifts business to a shopping centre

A market trader who was forced to leave when a city centre market was closed down has told how his new spot lacks the "thriving" atmosphere he was used to.

Traders were locked out of Liverpool's St Johns Market in March after they failed to repay about £2 million that the city council said was owed in unpaid rent and bills.

Ravi Stone reopened his Cards Etc business in a premises in neighbouring St Johns Market shopping centre on Saturday.

The 71-year-old, who has worked in markets for 60 years, said increased overheads had meant he has had to cut his staff numbers.

'People miss it'

"It's been terrible," he said.

"It feels great to be open and we've got customers coming back but they keep asking when are you opening the old market again.

"People miss the market. It was a local meeting point and people enjoyed visiting all the stalls.

"It was a thriving centre and a meeting point for a lot of people."

Traders protested outside the market after its closure in March

The council has previously said the market became unsustainable and there was a continued decline in footfall despite a 2016 refurbishment.

About £1m a year was being spent to subsidise the market by the authority.

Speaking earlier this month council leader Liam Robinson said it was “sad that the situation had got to this point” but the “partnership between the council and traders had broken down”.

However, he said the market’s position meant it was a “huge gateway to the city centre” and could still have potential.