‘Less for parking would help trade’

In need of help? Tommyfield Market

AS a campaign is launched to return Tommyfield outdoor market to its former glory, the Chronicle has been out speaking to traders and visitors to find out how they would improve the market.

Nikki Aitken featured in the Chronicle earlier this week after starting an online campaign titled “Save Tommyfield Market”.

She aims to attract more stallholders to come forward to boost market trade and is set to meet Oldham Council leader Jean Stretton to discuss what could be done. Reporter LUCY KENDERDINE visited the market to gather views on the campaign.

Outdoor market stall holder Shahzad Qamar (35) supports the campaign and believes that more stallholders would mean more trade for the entire market.

Shahzad, who has worked at the site for more than 17 years, said: “Saturday is the only busy day at Tommyfield outdoor market.

“On other days there are rows and rows of stalls left empty.

“It doesn’t encourage people to come and shop here. Instead they think it’s easier to go to Tesco or Asda.”

He added that he would like to see Oldham Council help traders by offering rent discounts or offers for trading on particular days. Shahzad, from Oldham, said: “Other markets take care of their traders. I’ve been to places around Manchester and in Bradford where they give you a discount if the weather is poor.

“We also have problems with security on the outdoor market and I’ve had people steal things but there is nothing I can do.

“They get away and it’s the market traders who lose out.”

Mary Somerville (74) travels from Withington to visit Oldham’s Tommyfield every Monday.

She said: “I come here for the book stall and to have a look around.

“It could do with a bit of help but I’m not sure how much as I don’t know what it’s like on the weekends. I would support a campaign to improve Tommyfield as I enjoy coming here, although Bury is my favourite.”

Ghulam Ahmed, from Matol Fabric stall, would like to see a reduced car parking fee on the market car park to encourage footfall.

Ghulam (49) said: “I took over this stall from my father six years ago.

“He started in 1989 and traders used to queue in the morning for a chance to trade at the outdoor market.

“But now there are empty stalls and people driving pass don’t think it’s open.

“Others don’t come because it’s too expensive to park at the market if they only need to visit one or two stalls. If the campaign could reduce the car parking fees, I think that would make a difference.”

Kenneth Bell doesn’t use the market and doesn’t think any investment would convince him to visit Tommyfield.

Kenneth, from Waterhead, said: “I don’t visit the market very often. I’m not sure a campaign would encourage me.”

Omar Safi (34) said: “It has been a long hard winter for the outdoor market and I hope the weather will improve soon.

“Encouraging traders to come here would make a difference and encourage more customers to visit.”