Long-standing Hoxton Market traders have been told their stalls will be moved closer together as the council tries to increase footfall.

There are 150 available pitches on the market, which runs from Nuttall Street to Crondall Street, but on a Saturdays an average of 40 are used.

Town hall market chiefs have told the 19 permanent stallholders that is “not effective or productive” and they will be shrinking the moving to the middle of the stretch between Stanway Street and Homefield Street.

A letter sent to each trader said: “We average 40 traders every Saturday so we have 110 spare pitches and customers have a rather long walk from start to finish which results in a loss of trade for many traders.

“We are writing to our 19 permanent traders to advise you that we will be relocating you into a smaller layout which may mean you are moved from your usual area.

“I understand that traders will be alarmed by this and concerned that their business may suffer as a result but I want to assure you that we will take every precaution to ensure that this is not the case.

The measures are set to come in at the start of December, the letter said.