ELLESMERE Port Market is facing "imminent collapse" and could "cease to exist" according to worried traders who are urging council chiefs to extend rent reductions until the end of the year.

An online petition, which describes the market as "the heart of the town", has been launched calling for support from Cheshire West and Chester Council during "extremely challenging trading conditions" caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Nearly 500 people have signed the petition, entitled 'Save Ellesmere Port Market – Extend rent support for traders until December 2020'.

Businesses say the move would help them as they weather the financial difficulties brought about by the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

Market trader Graeme Nimmo has set up the online petition, which states: "It is our – the traders – belief that Ellesmere Port Market faces imminent collapse due to many of the businesses being unable to meet their commitments because of extremely challenging trading conditions brought about by the pandemic.

"Further to this, it is our belief that Ellesmere Port Market is an important part of the community within Ellesmere Port and beyond.

"It provides more than just shopping opportunities, it is a meeting place, a social hub and, we believe, represents 'the heart' of the town and as such should and must not be allowed to fail.

"The support offered to Ellesmere Port Market traders fell short of what was offered to many other markets including Birkenhead, Leigh, Bury, Wigan and Cambridge (who all received 3 months rent free to cover the lockdown period).

"The traders received only a partial reduction in our rent for the period of Government mandated business closure that constituted a removal of the 'Service Charge' element of our rents.

"All that we now ask is that this partial reduction by way of removal of the 'Service Charge' element of our rent be continued until December 2020.

"It is our position that this would allow the businesses in the market to be able to continue to trade while we weather the worst economic effects of the pandemic.

"If Cheshire West and Cheshire Council fail to support the traders, Ellesmere Port Market may cease to exist. Don't let this happen!"

The Standard has approached Cheshire West and Chester Council for a response.

  • To view the petition click here .