Market is being boarded up, but defiant traders say 'we're not going anywhere'

THREE SHOPS AND TWO CAFES REMAIN OPEN AT VICTORIA CENTRE

- By JOE LOCKER Local Democracy Reporter

THE Victoria Centre Market is being boarded up but five remaining traders are refusing to leave.

The market boasted hundreds of traders across two floors when it moved to the Victoria Centre in the 1970s. But now just three shops and two cafés remain.

Nottingham City Council, which leases and manages the market, has now started boarding up much of the premises.

It says this is to reduce antisocial behaviour in unused areas and cut running costs.

But Sharon Manning, who runs Aladdin's Cave, alongside Stephen Taylor, said she believes the council is attempting to make the market look derelict to force the remaining traders out.

"They started boarding up last week," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. "The guys are still here boarding up.

"We've actually been busier because more people are coming in to make sure we are OK - and they are buying stuff while they are here - even though it does look a bit of an eyesore.