SEVERAL market traders have spoken out about problems in the new market including a leaking roof and strong smell of adhesive from continuing building work and say the people of Barnsley deserve better.
Stall holders have raised their concerns over issues arising at the new market which opened two weeks ago - issues the council says are ‘teething problems’.
Signs have been put up apologising for the smell of adhesive, reassuring customers that it is not harmful, and buckets have been placed around the entrances to catch water coming in from the ceiling.
Karen Devine, who runs Devine’s Footwear said: “I am so grateful to all of our wonderful loyal customers but they deserve better than this new market. For the amount of money spent on the market you’d think it would be done.
“Everywhere you look it’s like a building site.
“There is drilling and banging and then music covering the drilling and banging, it sounds like a fairground with all of the noise.”
Roger Ashton, owner of Sailor Sids, said that on Saturday it was ‘raining inside his stall’. “The market is not finished,” he said.
“The smell of adhesive (on Tuesday) was so strong that people were covering their mouths and nose and leaving the building. It’s affecting business and it’s not on.”
Luke Burkinshaw of Gifted-UK believes the traders were moved into the Cheapside location too soon.
He said: “They herded us in here like cattle, before ironing out all of the problems.
“On Saturday everyone evacuated the market because there was a fault with the fire alarm and they couldn’t turn it off.”
Coun Roy Miller said: “The new market has been a huge success since opening. Footfall was up by 50 per cent compared with a normal market day on the opening Friday, with over 13,000 shoppers visiting the market for the official opening on the Saturday.
“The traders have benefited from the increased footfall. The opening was a big milestone in the regeneration of the town centre and feedback from both traders and the public has been extremely positive.
“However, we’re aware of some teething problems. Refurbishing the building was a big task - and like any work of that size - there have been a few issues. It’s important to stress that the market is totally safe, but we’re working to resolve the issues as soon as possible.
“Work is continuing on getting the market cafes open on Monday, November 26, before their official opening on Wednesday, November 28. We have had a few comments about the odour coming from a non-toxic adhesive being used.
“The smell will start to fade when the team on site finish using the adhesive on Friday (today).
“The demolition of the old Meat and Fish Market has caused issues with noise. The demolition work is naturally a noisy process, and where possible, the work is being done out of hours.
“We still have some work to finish on the frontage of the market entrance; this led to the water leaks experienced during the heavy rain showers last weekend. The team is working hard to get this work completed as quickly as possible and we’re aiming to have the work done by early December.
“The market is fantastic and we hope people continue to shop there and support our brilliant traders.”
