CHESHIRE West and Chester Council says it wants to work alongside traders to focus on ways of increasing footfall at Ellesmere Port Market amid fears it is facing "imminent collapse".

Last week The Standard reported how struggling traders were calling on the local authority to extend rent reductions until the end of the year, warning that the market could soon "cease to exist" as the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic takes its toll.

An online petition, entitled 'Save Ellesmere Port Market – Extend rent support for traders until December 2020', has been backed by more than 500 people, while around 500 further signatures have been collected in paper form.

In response, councillor Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, acknowledges that the market is "hugely important for the town" which is why – despite its own financial pressures – the council has "invested significantly" in it since the lockdown was eased.

He said the cost of covering the service charge waiver – which traders are asking to be extended – and making the market building Covid-safe has reached almost £45,000 to date.

Cllr Beacham adds that traders have been "encouraged" to discuss flexible payment arrangements with the market manager to assist them further during the difficult trading period.

According to the council's latest footfall figures, the average number of weekly visits to the market, as of July, was 17,000 compared to 30,500 pre-lockdown. That represents a reduction of 44%.

Chester and District Standard:

Ellesmere Port Market.

Cllr Beacham's full statement said: "Ellesmere Port Market is hugely important for the town – it has brilliant traders and great products on offer – that’s why it is so vital that local people help us to support the traders by shopping in the market.

"Whilst I entirely recognise the right of traders to petition the council, it is also important to highlight what we are doing to support the market at this time.

"Almost all traders have received £10,000 via the government’s Business Rate Grant Scheme (SBRGS) to help pay for fixed costs like rent. Traders that did not qualify for the SBRGS were able to apply for a discretionary grant via the council.

"All service charges for those who were unable to trade during lockdown were waived between April and June.

"All traders had the opportunity to apply for the government’s self-employed and staff furlough support schemes

"All traders have been encouraged to discuss flexible payment arrangements with the market manager to reduce stress and provide further assistance at this time."

He added: "It is no secret that the council faces significant financial pressures of its own; however the council has invested significantly in the market since lockdown was eased, primarily to make it Covid-safe and give customers the confidence to return to the market.

"This has included extra cleaning, new floor stickers indicating social distancing advice and new one-way systems to help people move around safely.

"We have also introduced an outdoor seating area which was recently opened by the Mayor of Ellesmere Port. The combined cost of the service charge waiver and making the market Covid-safe has reached almost £45,000 to date.

"It is encouraging to see the market’s footfall counters indicating that the volume of customers has been increasing steadily back towards pre-lockdown levels, but I know there is more to do.

"We have a meeting with the traders coming up and we will continue to listen, and I hope we can focus on how we can work together to find ways to increase the footfall further and I would also urge local people to visit the market to do their shopping and enjoy the food available."