Anxiety for traders over market's relocation

Relocating Worcester's outdoor market could turn out to be a "bad idea", according to some traders who say they are against the idea.

It will move from Angel Place to the Cornmarket from September, after it was given a last-minute reprieve, amid doubts about its future.

But stallholders said they were worried custom could drop off, citing concerns about it being further from the bus station.

Adrian Wheatley, who sells perfumes, said: "It should be left where it is - you can't get a better location than this." The new operator of the market, Bluebell, said it was committed "to giving Worcester a high-quality weekly market".

Wheatley said he had collected 2,000 names on a petition from customers who were against the move.

"A lot of people are going to walk up Angel Place, see no market and think 'that's it, it's gone'," he said.

"The market has been here for decades. If I wasn't taking any money from this location I wouldn't be here, it's as simple as that - the move is a bad idea."

Serena Road, who sells ornaments, added: "A lot of people who come to see us travel in on buses and the bus station is around the corner.

"I've been a market trader for about 20 years and this is a lovely location, it's the best place for it.

"We don't know how it's going to go in the new location. This is our livelihood."

Glenys Patrick, who sells plants and produce, added: "Some people, particularly older people, don't tend to go too far.

"It's a nice spot here and handy for the buses. I'd rather stay here."

But some other traders said they were optimistic the move would work out, once shoppers realised where they were.

Pete Round, from Greedy Pete's and Baketin, said: "It's hard to know until we see it, exactly how it's going to be configured ([n the new location].

"It's a shame it couldn't carry on here, but [the Cornmarket] is a good location - we'll make the best of the new opportunity."

The company which took over responsibility for running the market said it intended to make the new site a success.

Bluebell Events, which runs markets in Droitwich and Evesham, said it considered the Cornmarket a good switch.

The previous operator Cotswold Markets Limited had cited declining footfall and rising costs for its reasons to pull out of the Angel Place arrangement.

A Bluebell spokesperson said: "We are committed to giving Worcester a high-quality weekly market that supports the city's enterprise and creates a true destination for visitors."

The city council wanted to keep a profitable market in Worcester, a spokesperson for the authority said.

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