Barrow Market stall holders divided over new contract

A major refurbishment of the market, as part of the government's £16 million funding to rejuvenate the whole town centre, is planned.

The new contract needed to be signed or traders would have to leave by the end of July. Some traders feel they have been provided with a new security while others feel 'forced out'

Fat Bobs, sold CDs, vinyl and DVDs in the market for 23 years but decided to open an independent shop on Cavendish Street.

Owner Iain Raftery previously spoke to the Mail and said: "We were told we had to sign the new contract or we had to be out before the end of July. And we were also told if we didn't we would never be allowed back into the market to trade.

"The contracts were not great and were heavily in favour of the market and the council. There are a lot more leaving in the next few weeks also because of this."

In contrast, Tuk from Tuk Thai Foods, said: "I'm really happy to be part of Barrow Market. The new contracts have given us extra security as a trader and are a great opportunity.

"Our rents have been frozen, and customers are already telling us how happy they are that they'll be able to access our goods and services more due to the newly agreed opening hours."

Pete Clark of Pete's Fruit and Veg: "I completely agree with Fat Bobs. I didn't agree with the new contract, an opportunity came up to open up a new shop on Dalton Road so I took it. 

"Other people aren't happy, we can't leave anything outside because of the refurbishment, so people are going to be forced to leave." 

But Wendy and Steve Gunning, owners of Pets Paradise, Lilydot Cards, Floral Paradise and Wool Baa, said: "The new contracts have guaranteed us security and protect traders.

"The frozen rents have been really helpful - especially in the current economic climate and because we have four stalls.

"We're really excited to embark on this new venture as the market is redeveloped and we're already researching new ideas for stalls."

A Westmorland and Furness Council spokesman said: "We're sorry that a well-established trader has decided to leave the market for a new premises but we wish them all the best with the future of their business.

"Changes to existing leases were made after consulting with all traders and were introduced to improve the market's offer to local residents - such as guaranteed opening hours for all traders. We have also guaranteed that stall rental costs will remain the same for the next three years to help traders through this difficult period of inflation and rising costs being experienced nationwide.

"The ongoing renovation of the market is an exciting step forward for our traders and its many visitors and we hope new traders will join us as Barrow Market and the wider town centre enters a new and exciting phase of redevelopment."