A GROUP of traders have rallied together in the hope of dispelling any confusion that Warrington Market has already closed as part of the town centre redevelopment.

Despite the excitement about the plans for the future of Warrington Market, some businesses say they face a struggle to stay open after noticing a decline in footfall since building work begun outside of the market.

Lee Owen, owner of The Pet Shop, has been based in the market for the past 10 years years but this has easily been the most difficult period for the business.

He said: “There are many traders in the market who are struggling through these hard times.

“We just want to get the message out there that we are open.

“As soon as it was announced about the new market and the plans for the town people thought the market was closed and footfall has dropped.

“A lot of us have families – kids to feed and bills to pay.

“Now with Christmas just around the corner we are just trying to get through these hard times.”

With a range of independent retailers and family businesses open in the market, traders have called on people to shop local rather that in chain stores.

Ste White, owner of Moran’s who offer key cutting, shoe repairs and engravings, took over the family business six years ago and has noticed a drop in footfall in recent months since the start of the town centre development.

He said: “Some people are not aware we are still open – that’s the main problem.

“If it wasn’t for some of the regulars who have been really loyal it would have been a lot worse.”

To help readers discover some of the businesses that are open in Warrington Market, during December you will be able to meet some of the traders as part of our Humans of Warrington feature.

Pick up a copy this week’s edition to meet the owner of Italian Produce Direct Paul Amit.