AS the market trader adjacent to the photograph of Mr Mullhearn (LT, March 22), I would like to address some of the comments regarding ignoring "rules," and disagree that "talking to market bosses" would have solved the problem. It wouldn't.

The problem is the rules are totally inconsistent, depending on which "manager" is in charge for the day.

I placed three stands in the same area, opposite my paid for four stalls.

The stands occupy three paving flags, are not using any counter space and the stall has been empty over three years.

I covered the two empty stalls and one that has been dumped there, with bright material to make the area look better.

I had been visited last year with a threat (via supervisor with a camera) it's move them or pay.

I broke the rules and moved the stands back within a stall not easy to access by customers.

I then put them back in the banned area.

I inquired after Mr Mullhearn's problem how much would it cost to put them back?

Supervisor with tape measure, measures around three stands, result £2 per day per stand.

This adds up to £72 per month. For the floorspace of three flags?

This is on top of my monthly payment for four stalls, that are bright and well presented.

I think the problem is that no one, be it the council or the market management, care if present traders continue trading or not.

At the end of the day there will be limited space in the new market (50 per cent food emporium) for present traders.

Though at the present rate of stall closures, there will be few left to move.

So while traders are trying their best to present user friendly areas, attract customers, give good service, there is little help from management or council.

Which part of the manual deals with communications, leadership, fairness, encouragement? Never heard of them.

DEE'S CARDS AND GIFTS, Blackburn Three-Day Market.