Doubts over long-term future of market in Leeds

Shoppers and traders in part of Leeds are being urged to have their say on a local market amid uncertainty about its future.

Many of Pudsey Market's stalls are currently empty, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, with Leeds City Council reporting a decline in both customers and traders over the last few years.

The market was no longer "financially viable as it currently stands" because of a combination of low stall rent and rising costs, the council said.

A public consultation is expected to be held in July to help secure its future and boost trade, with details of how to take part yet to be released by the local authority.

Pudsey Conservative councillor Simon Seary urged people to have their say on the outdoor market when the consultation begins.

"It's disappointing to see - this is a Tuesday market and we've probably got five or six stalls," he said.

"Back in the heyday it was full, but over time we have lost a number of stallholders."

Shan Ajaib, who runs the Simply Delish food stall at the market, said: "There are stallholders interested but when they see that no customers are coming they don't think it's worthwhile.

"On the opposite side you've got customers who come and have a look, don't see a great deal on offer and don't bother."

Leeds City Council said traders, ward councillors and market shoppers would all be consulted.

"Pudsey Market, like many outdoor markets across the country, has seen a decline for several years in terms of traders and customers attending," a council spokesperson said.

"Together with low stall rents and increasing operating costs, this means the market is not financially viable as it currently stands."

Pudsey Market opens on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, from 08:30-15:30 BST.

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