A new booking system introduced at the start of this year has upset some market traders in Worksop and Retford, who feel change has had a detrimental effect on trading.

However, Bassetlaw District Council has strongly defended the updated system, saying many traders have welcomed the more modern approach that will help the markets be more sustainable for the future.

Bassetlaw trader Roy Haywood, who lives in Sheffield and has sold clothing at Retford's Friday Market since 1991, said: "The previous system of paying on the day allowed new people to come and trade and see how it goes, but now they get here and are turned away.

"The cut off time for stall payments is now noon the day before, and if you are only minutes after that time you get refused. In other places such as Chesterfield, people can turn up with ID and are allowed to trade - they try to accommodate people.

placeholder image — Retford's traditional Market Square

"One Retford trader who operates from a van so doesn't even use a stall, was refused recently because she was a few minutes late paying. There's no leeway at all. We have empty stalls on the market and need to attract new people."

He added: "I've got no political motive in speaking my mind. I enjoy working on the market, I don't need to do it but I genuinely care about what's happening. We need more flexibility.

"I'm 63, have no mortgage, no debt, no need to still work. But I love this job and the many friends I've made in Retford since I first stood here aged 28. I don't want to see it fade away."

Mr Haywood asks people in Worksop and Retford to contact their local councillors and urge them to speak to market traders. Ideally, he says many traders would like the old system of 'pay on the day' returned with market managers in charge, and casual traders made welcome.

He said: "I believe we could see the markets flourish were it not for the current restrictions".

Steve Scotthorne, cabinet member for identity, planning and place at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “The Council has made significant investment into its markets following years of constructive and collaborative work with traders, stakeholders and the public, and we are now seeing a more vibrant look to the markets which has been welcomed by traders.

“We understand that some changes have not been welcomed by everyone. However, we need to ensure that our markets can be sustainable and viable for many more years to come.

“The previous method of managing our markets, with no advanced notice of traders intending to trade and cash payments made on the day of trading, was unsustainable and contributed to the markets operating at a substantial loss each year.

“The way that our markets are provided need to adapt to ensure they continue to provide a high-quality offer for both traders and customers, and that they continue to be an important part of the retail and cultural make-up for both Worksop and Retford.

“We believe that the current booking system and timescales strike the right balance so that the Council can safely and efficiently set up a market for the next day’s trading and provide traders with flexibility around when they intend to trade.

“While we are aware that some traders are opposed to this system, we also have a considerable number of traders who have welcomed this approach, which gives them continuity of trading days, allows them to exclusively secure their pitch on a long-term basis, make cashless payments and secure discounts and introductory offers.

“We recognise that the current economic climate and a shift in shopping habits have made trading conditions more challenging, which is why we have not increased market fees for the current financial year.

“We will continue to work constructively with traders and stakeholders to ensure that our markets remain a prominent feature in our towns and that they evolve with current and future shopping trends and habits.”