A COUNCILLOR and restaurant owner has called on the council to consider plans for a breakaway market in the Rochdale town centre.

Cllr Farooq Ahmed made the proposal for stallholders to be relocated near The Butts after it was revealed by the Rochdale Observer that indoor market traders are paying up to six times more rent than stallholders in neighbouring Heywood and Bury markets.

Traders expressed concern that the market could face closure if more stallholders are forced out as a result of crippling rents.

Now Cllr Ahmed is hoping for his proposal to be seriously considered during forthcoming meetings with town centre bosses and council representatives.

He said: "We used to have a market near the Town Hall and I think this area misses the hustle and bustle of a lively market.

"It’s an ideal location as it’s very visible and is framed by the most imposing building in Rochdale

"I know a lot of these traders personally and they are really suffering as a result of these high rates.

"How can they be paying double the rate that Bury Market traders pay when they don’t get anything like the support or marketing that traders get in Bury? They are being forced to move out because of unreasonable over-the-top rates."

He expressed fears that there was a widespread feeling among small traders that an anti-business culture was starting to take root.

He added: "The town needs a thriving market as this creates a good atmosphere and gives the place a lift.

"Rochdale should not underestimate the role a market plays. It is sad to see traders being driven out of town and I hope the council will consider stepping in to create a more sustainable model."