A trader at Tommyfield Market has said he is ‘disgusted’ by its partial closure over the Jubilee Bank Holiday, which he claims will leave his business thousands worse off.
Unlike some others in Greater Manchester, Oldham's market will be shut on Thursday and Friday this week, opening as usual on Saturday and the regular car boot sale taking place on Sunday.
But Rick Whitmore, 52, from Rochdale, who owns butchers Meat in the Middle with his partner Nicola Fairchild, disagrees with the decision.
He said he was ‘disgusted’ with the way Oldham Council, which runs the market, has handled the closure.
He explained: “The council didn’t ask us anything, all they’ve done is they’ve just gone and taken it upon themselves and shut the whole market for two days.
“They’ve not gone around with any surveys; they’ve just shut it.”
The council has denied traders were not consulted, saying the closure was unanimously agreed during a consultation with the Tommyfield Market Traders’ Association.
Asked about the impact of the closure on his business, Rick said: “We’ll lose about three-and-a-half grand in takings.
“We’ve got seven staff, and we’ve got to pay them. Because we’re shut for two days, we’re going to lose our takings – which is wrong.”
Another market trader, who spoke to The Oldham Times on condition of anonymity, also claimed the council had not asked traders’ opinions on the closure.
He said: “The rent’s still there, isn’t it? We’re going to make no money – we’re going to be in the minuses next week.
“We’ll be losing about a grand.”
He added: “Decisions are, most of the time, made without input from the traders and whenever we do have a discussion there is always the opposite outcome – either way the traders are doomed.”
However, not everybody was critical of the planned closure.
Abdulhamid Ajmid, owner of Stationery Corner, thought the closure was a good thing.
Abdulhamid, who has lived in Oldham for 43 years and has a picture of the Queen in his house, said: “It’s a good day. Make your money other times, but get a rest.”
Teresa Lennon, from Oldham, was visiting the market. Teresa agreed with the closure, saying: “It’s a national holiday, so fair enough.”
Nearby Bury Market will be open on Jubilee Friday, but closed on the Bank Holiday Thursday.
An Oldham Council spokesperson said: “Tommyfield Market will be closed on Thursday, 2 June and Friday, 3 June, as they are always closed on Bank Holidays.
“They will be open as normal on Saturday, 4 June and Sunday, 5 June.
“The Tommyfield Market Traders’ Association was consulted about opening on 2 and 3 June, and there was a unanimous vote for closure.
“The association recognised that trade is poor on Bank Holidays with shoppers spending time with their families.
“It was also noted that many traders welcome the opportunity to spend time with their families after usually working six days a week.”
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