'While other markets are dying, Bury is still doing well... but it would be nice to see more investment'

TRADERS at one of England's oldest markets say times are still tough after lockdown, but customers have flocked back because Britons love "buying local".

- Chris Riches

This week we launched our Save Our Markets campaign to boost Britain's 1,200 street trade venues.

So we visited 584-year-old Bury Market, in Greater Manchester, and found its 350 stalls which attract 150,000 customers weekly and 1,000 coach-loads each year bright, busy and bustling.

Traders told us how, despite a recent crisis with decaying concrete at the indoor section of the market, customers have been rushing back of their wares since the pandemic.

They said "Britain's Favourite Market 2022" boasts such a wide range of goods and foods with the personal touch that they can easily compete with online marketplaces.

Stephen McEnery, 58, owner of Café Loco Bar and Grill, has been on the market for three years and has seen "trade pick up".

He said: "People of are being more careful with their money and coming to us for a coffee instead of high street chains, as we're cheaper - but just as good. People want quality at a good price.

"Covid was a nightmare. Only food stalls could open at the beginning so everywhere else was deserted and only the die-hards came out to shop. That was hard for everyone."

But he said the council could do more, adding: "Putting more signs on the main roads would help and more advertising for the stalls.

"Bury is one of the oldest markets in the world and the set-up seems to work really well.

"While other markets are dying, Bury is still doing well.

"But it would be nice to see more investment in the market.

"I don't think the footfall is quite back to what it was and the rent increase doesn't help.

"I need to sell around 180 coffees a day to pay the rent and the increase in minimum wage means we have to sell more before breaking even."

Joanne Ward, 41, has worked at the bakery Harry Muffin for 31 years, producing pies, Chorley and Eccles cakes, scones and muffins.