One year on from the sudden closure of Bury Market's indoor hall, traders claim that they are still no closer to knowing what the future holds.
The discovery of potentially dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof and loading bay forced stallholders out of the building on October 26 last year.
They were either relocated, had their units reconfigured to continue operating or arranged alternatives for their business.
Trader Arshid Kayani had been selling and exchanging games, consoles and mobile phones on the indoor market for more than 23 years.
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He said: “When we first got the news of the closure, I moved to an outdoor stall which I sorted and paid for myself, along with some funding from the council.
“I used to trade for five and a half days when we were inside but can only do three here.”
The outdoor market trades for three days a week whereas the indoor market was previously open six days a week.
The MT mobile and games trader thanked his “loyal” customers, many of who visit the market from London, Scotland, and Manchester.
He said that they are the sole reason for him continuing to push through but said that business has “not been the same” since the moving to the new location on Margaret Block more than ten months ago.
“I’m only just covering rent and not making a wage anymore. I can’t survive on this.
“I spent years in the indoor market and loved it. The money and people were great and it was perfect for me.
“Never in a million years did I want to leave. It’s heartbreaking.
Mr Kayani criticised the lack of communication and clarity from the council about the future of the indoor market.
He said: “I understand things might come to an end. If I can’t go back then I will have to deal with that if and when it happens but it’s the lack of answers which is causing a problem.
“I feel stuck in the middle. I can’t get another job or commit to another lease if it might open again.
“If we at least have some idea of how long it might take [to resolve], I can start to plan ahead. I don’t know what to do.
“We need answers now, not in another year or two. It’s a very unfair situation.”
Earlier this year, the council proposed five possible outcomes, with one including refurbishment, which is estimated to cost £6m.
John Leech, from Bury, has been selling fresh muffins, cakes and breads at The Muffin Stall for five years.
He was previously located inside the market but has been trading outside at Gable End since earlier this year.
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This means that his business opening days have also been reduced from five to three per week and customers don’t always know where to find the new stall.
John said that he has been “fighting on for the past 12 months”.
Last month, a council report stated that the cost of the emergency response to the closure of the indoor market hall is more than £950,000.
They also announced that they will end financial support in March next year for the 13 traders who were relocated to the nearby Mill Gate.
The BBQ Barn moved to the shopping centre seven months ago.
Owner Steve Moloney, 68, said: “Since the news about the funding being removed next year came out, some people have already left the Mill Gate.
“It feels like we [traders] only get one bite of the cherry to make it work then if it doesn’t, you’re cast adrift but it’s like a ghost town here now.
"It’s ridiculous. I can’t get answers about the future of the market, no matter who I speak to. We’ve been left in the dark.
“I feel like they’ve washed their hands of us.”
Steve explained that he is now in the process of negotiating with Mill Gate management to see if he can feasibly continue trading at the current location once the funding ends.
He added: “I need to know exactly what the new overheads will be before I can make any firm decisions.
“I know how much money I’m bringing in but it all depends on how much it will cost me to stay.
“The centre would need me to sign a two-year lease in March but if there’s no wage left for me, I won’t be bothering.
“The indoor market stall used to be heaving and we would reap those rewards. I’m doing ok here but it is not the same.
“I have an emotional attachment to the market and it’s depressing to look back on.
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“It was my pension plan but it’s been snatched away now and there is not a thing I can do about it. It’s all gone.
“I’m hoping we hear something before Christmas but I doubt it. Unfortunately, no-one seems to want to help.”
In May, the charity C20 Society submitted a listing application to protect the market, citing concerns that decision-makers may pursue demolition.
They said: “A designation for Bury Market Hall would protect the building from demolition and encourage the council to proceed with a conservation-led refurbishment – replacing the RAAC in a way that preserves the building’s undoubted architectural interest.”
Suresh said: “The first few weeks were quiet, but we’ve managed to keep most of our customers.
"We’re just grateful to still be trading.”
Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said: “It came as a huge shock when RAAC was discovered in the indoor market hall.
“In order to protect traders and the public in case the roof collapsed, we had no option but to close the hall with immediate effect.
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“This of course caused huge disruption, and we have done our absolute best to support the traders – from finding them new premises to providing financial support including rent-free and utility-free periods.
“Unfortunately, there is no ‘quick fix’ to the problem, and the situation is more complicated than originally thought. Independent consultants have looked at a wide range of options, and all of them would cost taxpayers many millions of pounds.
“We are continuing to assess all the options in depth and will keep everyone informed once a decision is made.
“We all love our historic and hugely popular market. This is why we are starting work on building the new multi-functional flexi-hall, and new roof canopies to protect the outdoor market stalls. We also have plans to regenerate the whole of the Mill Gate centre.
“We are determined that Bury Market will thrive for many generations to come.”
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