Struggling Ellesmere Port Market traders close to breaking point

This is the stark reality of post-lockdown life for so many of the struggling traders at Ellesmere Port Market, which has seen five businesses call it a day since it fully reopened in June.

Visiting the market on Tuesday, albeit on a miserable Storm Francis-hit afternoon, it was clear to see why more stallholders fear they could be joining them before Christmas.

Customers were scarce, shop shutters had been been pulled down long before closing time and one business secured a solitary sale during a two-hour period thanks to a purchase from a fellow trader.

You can see the worry in the faces of those behind the counters – they just don't know how much longer they can survive.

Earlier this month, a petition was launched by traders calling for the council to extend rent reduction support until the end of the year, having removed the 'Service Charge' element – around 40% – from the monthly rent during lockdown.

As businesses still have rent to pay back from that three-month period in which the vast majority were not trading, stallholders say they are in desperate need of further help in order to weather the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has said it wants to work alongside traders to focus on ways of increasing footfall at the market, and also called on the public to lend its support.

Jack Fagan, who has run the Golden Balls jewellery store for more than 20 years, wants the council to scrap parking charges up to Christmas in a bid to drive footfall to the market.

He also believes providing facilities for young children, such as a creche, would entice more parents to visit the market and spend time shopping.

Mr Fagan said: "When the market is closed on a Wednesday this town is dead. The market is a social necessity. I want the council to work together – all political parties – to deliver a market that we can hand over to the next generation.

"The way things are going there won't be a market to hand over. The market needs to be supported by everyone. It's not just a business it's a community asset. Hundreds of jobs are at risk.

"We've got 30 empty stalls at the moment, We want to pay our rent but we need a breather. About 90% are running at a loss. These people have been here for years and they are going home with no income.

"The traders have all come together. We're angry because we don't feel we're getting the help we need. We've got to try and work together to get through until Christmas."

Mel Reilly, who runs The Pet Shop and has been at Ellesmere Port Market for 18 years, said: "If we don't get help, we'll all be gone.

"I have to put in my Christmas order in July and I was frightened to do so because I really don't know what is going to happen.

"I was one of three traders who were open here during lockdown and it was surreal. Some days I was lucky to make £20.

"I ended up setting myself little targets. If I made £50 I was made up but the reality is it wasn't covering anything.

"I will struggle on until Christmas – that will be the crunch time. If it's the same then I would go out and get a job.

"It's sad. My nan started the business in 1964. She used to run it at the old open-air market on York Road. My auntie then took it on and after a short period when it wasn't trading I set it up again at the old market in 2002.

"I just want some hope and I don't get that when people are leaving. The only positive thing is how we've all come together – I've never known the traders be so close."

Mimis Boutique owner Jackie, who is leaving the market next week after 18 months, said: "I'll be devastated come Monday. The market is a family, this has all brought us together. But it's not just that, it's the customers too – there is a real community spirit here.

"But the footfall has gone to zilch. I live on my own and rely on what I earn. I don't think enough was done to say we were reopening.

"I will try and go online or look for another market – I would go to one outside the Cheshire West and Chester area.

"It's sad because I'm Ellesmere Port born and bred. This is my hometown market, if it goes then the town is finished."

Married couple Rob and Jan Warburton, who run Rob's Books and Toys, say they have been forced to defer their mortgage payments in order make ends meet.

They have had their business at the market for eight years and describe the facility as the "community of the town".

Rob said: "This started in February just before the lockdown and it's been downhill since then. In reality the £10,000 Government grant has had to last us from February until now. That's what we've had to live on because we're not earning any money – we've only lost.

Jan added: "I gave up my full-time job to support my husband when he expanded. I'm sorry I did that now.

"I made a big commitment to this market. We're not asking for a pot of gold, we're just asking for help. Help that other markets have had.

"We've got a handful of loyal customers – customers that come from Wales and Liverpool to see us – but it's not enough to pay the bills.

"How long can we last? How long is a piece of string? I really don't know.

"It's sad. There is a real community here – we've been invited to weddings and funerals by our customers. That tells you how important it is to people."

Kath Marsh, who has run Card Cabin for 12 years, said: "I rent out four units costing me £1,000 a month and I just can't afford it. I'm going to be dropping one of the units to see how it goes.

"If you look around you can see nobody is here. There is only so many times you can dip into your savings. We've all got bills to pay."

Marieta Green, who runs Marieta Shoes and EMS repair centre, said: "It's been very hard. Maybe I'm gone before Christmas if we don't get any help. I've gone home without having a single customer five times.

"You just want to give up and cry. I can't afford to carry on. Luckily I also have a phone repair shop which is helping me to survive. But with the shoe stall some times I only go home with between £10 to £30."

Newsagent J Hussain, who has been operating at the market since 2015, said: "I'll have been here five years at Christmas, but I honestly don't know if I'll make it. It's so disheartening waking up early every day and coming in.

"We're putting the hours in but we need support. Five traders have gone and I don't know how many more there will be by Christmas.

"Bank Holidays are traditionally quiet at the market and every day at the moment is like that. I'm very close to breaking point."