Traders ready for life away from Market Hall
ONE of the borough’s longest serving traders is leaving Accrington Market Hall and has raised concerns over the future of the iconic building.
George Cropper has worked on the market for 62 years and operated G&C Cropper Family Butchers for more than four decades.
Next week the father-oftwo, from Rising Bridge, will relocate the business to 31 Blackburn Road in Accrington following disagreements over parking and market management.
It is another blow for the market and follows the closures of hosiery stall J Heaton & Son, Jewels & Gems, N & J Footwear and a clothing stall so far in 2019 with Balcony Brides also set to pull out.
Hyndburn council have
reiterated their support for the market and will provide extra investment ‘if necessary’.
George, 76, started helping out on a market stall at the age of 14. He worked for Sutton’s Family Butchers for 15 years before taking it over and setting up his own business G&D Cropper Family Butchers.
George was joined by his brother David for 25 years at their indoor market stall before taking the reins on his own for the last two decades.
Speaking to the Observer about his decision to leave, he said: “I’m glad to get out. I’m looking forward to it.
“I used to like coming to work but the last few months I haven’t.
“I don’t think the council wants the market. I think they want to shut it up. It’s making a loss.
“For a building like this it’s a disgrace. I’m worried about the future of the market.”
The latest council budget figures show that the Market Hall is making a £179,000 loss compared to its annual budget.
George’s daughter Clare Cropper, who joined the business three years ago, said: “It’s important to recognise that dad has been in the market for 62 years and that has been his life. I’ve grown up there too.
“I am very concerned about the future of the Market Hall and we feel like we are being pushed out as there are future plans already in place for our unit which is such a shame as without long established traders like my father the market wouldn’t exist.”
Clare said the new shop, which opens on Tuesday, July 16, will allow them to expand and sell homecooked meats, pies, deli, fruit and vegetables, cheese and open a sandwich counter
She said: “We are going for the farm shop in the town centre approach and can’t wait to open. We have lots of regular and loyal customers who we are hoping will follow us across the road and we appreciate all their custom during our time at the market. “
Councillor Paul Cox, cabinet member for environmental services, said he will meet with a number of stallholders later this month and will ‘be listening to any concerns they may highlight’.
He said: “I’d like to thank the family for their support over the years and wish them well for the future.
“I would reiterate the statement made by the leader of the council, Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE, when he confirmed the council is fully committed to securing the future of Accrington Town Centre, which includes the redevelopment of the town’s historic buildings and also supporting investing in the Market Hall if necessary.
“The reality is that shopping habits have fundamentally changed, as more people use online services or visit the large supermarkets.”