STALLHOLDERS on Darwen's Three Day Market, who are upset about a recent rent increase, look set to have their request for a review of charges turned down.

A 26-name petition was sent to Blackburn with Darwen Council following the announcement. From November 1, all traders were required to pay three per cent extra.

Their complaints included concerns that cuts in gas and electricity charges had not been passed on to them, the lack of a market manager and the fact that some stalls remained empty.

Clive Watson, who sells household goods from four stalls on the market, said: "In most other towns in the North West the council is trying to encourage the survival of markets by reducing stall rents.

"An average size 10ft square stall costs £60 for three days. We have just had a reduction in our service charge which amounts to about 50p a week, but that is hardly going to make much difference.

"In Accrington it only costs £5 for a stall on Sunday. We should be getting more support."

Second-hand goods trader Brenda Cronshaw, added: "The only investment which has been made on this market since 1975 is a plastic-coated roof. We just won't survive if the rents continue to go up."

A report to the council's regeneration committee, which meets on February 1, states: "The service charge levied on the traders includes the cost of gas and electricity referred to in the petition, as well as the employment cost of the market attendants and a percentage of staff costs.

"It therefore takes into account fluctuations in energy costs, delay in recruitment savings and any variation in costs."

The report also details action to recruit a market superintendent and interest in vacant stalls.

Councillors are being advised to take no action on the petition.

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