Traders fear town's market will die after post-lockdown price hike in Milton Keynes

The market, which has been part of the town's history for more than 100 years, was re-opened last week after the months of lockdown.

But only a couple of stallholders turned up - because they were unhappy about a rent rise decided by Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council, it has been claimed.

And the usual 'pay on the day' arrangement has been changed to a month's rent in advance, say traders.

"We've had no income for 13 weeks, then the town council want more money. It would cost me £10 a day extra," said Jill Lesnick, who has run a children's clothing stall with her husband Malcolm for nine years in Bletchley,

"It's not so much the money, it's the principle," she said. "Other markets in other towns are enticing traders back by offering all kinds of deals, including three months' free rent. Yet Bletchley seems to be doing all it can to put traders off."

Other popular stallholders are also voting with their feet and staying away, said Jill, who sells branded children's clothes at a discount.

"It's a shame. We love our customers in Bletchley and we have so many regulars. We've been on a pitch outside the Post Office for years and everybody knows us.

"It's sad for Bletchley. The town has many empty shops and now an empty market. The customers on Facebook are furious."

One shopper said: "I've been a customer of Malcolm and Jill for a very long time now and i'm very upset that they cannot come back. I have always bought my children's clothes from there. It's a shame - we desperately need them back."

The Citizen asked Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council for a response last Thursday. They have still not replied.