Shoppers have launched a campaign to “save” Hoxton Street Market – but the council says the number of traders has tripled this year.

Hackney Gazette: Hoxton Street Market has now got 50 stallholders but shoppers and regular traders say it's 'dying'. Picture: Polly HancockHoxton Street Market has now got 50 stallholders but shoppers and regular traders say it's 'dying'. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

Susan Oliver has been shopping at the market for 15 years but is fed up with the changing demographic and, after speaking to traders, wants the council to lower pitch fees and bring back free parking, which was “temporarily” stopped during the London Olympics.

“The market is dying,” she told the Gazette. “We don’t want it to be yuppified like Broadway Market. It’s quite nice but it’s too expensive and too posh.

“The last few months we’ve noticed the decline. The old stallholders are leaving and going to places with £10 pitch fees.

“Here they are having to pay for parking on top. Before the Olympics parking was free then the council started charging during them because they didn’t want people parking here and travelling to the park. But they never brought back the free parking.

“One guy Peter had been here forever and now he’s left. You used to be able to get anything and everything, it was such a good market.

“Now it’s changed so much, I know they are trying to bring the area up which is good because it was a horrible area, but we need a market.

“We’re starting to get coffee shops. We don’t need them. We want them to reduce pitch fees and make parking free – it’s only on Saturdays, they can charge what they like the rest of the week.

Hackney’s business boss Cllr Guy Nicholson said the town hall had been working hard to bring in more traders, as part of the council’s market strategy.

“The pitch fees are subsidised and all traders are offered the opportunity to have a second stall for half price,” he explained.

“By working together and promoting the market the number of traders on Saturdays is now at around 50, compared to only 16 at the start of the year.”

Cllr Nicholson also said traders could apply for permits allowing them to park for free in four surrounding streets.

He added that a survey has been sent to 6,000 people in asking for their thoughts on the market.