The £1.2m market 'only pigeons like'

SHOPPERS SAY IT ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH' BUT TRADERS CALL FOR THEIR SUPPORT

- GEORGE LYTHGOE

IT was only built in 2012. But shoppers in a Greater Manchester town say its central market - revamped at a cost of £1.2m - just isn't good enough.

Talking to people on the streets of Hyde, the same themes kept coming up. People long for the days when they could buy everything without leaving the town. And they feel vape shops, charity shops and takeaways have come to dominate the high street.

The market was supposed to inject new life into the centre of Hyde. But with recent issues with anti-social behaviour, traders complaining of declining footfall and shoppers saying they have to leave the town to get what they want, the market has become a particular source of frustration.

Regular frequenters of Hyde's Market Street told the M.E.N that they did not want to travel to Ashton or Manchester for extra items - they want everything nearby - but they feel they have no choice.

Dean Hamood is proud of being from Hyde. But he feels like his Tameside town has been forgotten.

"I love living here, but it's getting more run down. Ashton seems to get all the money. They've done up the market but in front of shops so they can't be seen. Only the pigeons like it." He thinks the market is a sign of a disconnect between the people and local authorities. And he's noticing signs of decline.

"The people here in Hyde are great, they're genuine. But look, we had six banks here and now there are two. Shops are closing because of the rates because they're so high.

When the leases are up they leave.

"If you look around we have lots of charity shops - everyone is getting priced out. One, two, three bookies all facing each other over there.