STRUGGLING traders have warned that Bolton Market is under threat because of strict parking regulations and crippling rents.

Some stallholders at the Ashburner Street market fear multi-complex trading stores will finally overtake the once bustling market, as they battle with falling trade and higher overheads.

One trader, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "Parking is a real problem. We have not got enough parking spaces and traffic wardens are so keen to give parking fines, you can get booked while walking to the machine to buy a ticket.

"It puts customers off and we are fighting a losing battle against out of town retail parks with free car parking."

Another trader said: "The equipment we are using, such as our counters, is substandard and the market floor needs to be sorted out -- it is far too slippery.

"I know people who have been coming to the market for years who have had to stop because they could not walk on the floor.

"Our trade is down about 50 per cent and our overheads, such as service charges and rent, have increased by 30 per cent, but we can't put up our prices as we need to stay competitive. No one here is making a living any more, we are all paupers.

"We need a better working relationship with the council. They keep promising to improve things, but it doesn't happen. They are just empty promises. If they don't do something fast I think we will soon be seeing the end of the market."

One trader said: "I have lost three staff in the last six months and have not replaced them so I can save £20,000 a year. I have not missed them because trade is not the same as it was.

"It is a shame to think Bolton has such a good market -- one of the longest running markets in Britain -- and is being allowed to go downhill so fast. This place needs doing up again and the council needs to get it straight."

Traders said the market is in sharp contrast to Bury's, which has new equipment, is smart and is doing well.

No one at Bolton Council was available for comment.