Cornhill Market 'not sustainable', claims trader

A stallholder who is moving out of Lincoln's Cornhill Market has claimed "pricey" rents have made the site unsustainable.

Bradford Plants opened in the former Central Market in May following an £7m renovation of the site.

But owner Jo Bradford said she had decided to close due to high rents, and she had been paying about £400 a month in surcharges.

City of Lincoln Council said all tenants were made aware of the costs before they signed their contracts, and there had been no increase since they were agreed.

Mrs Bradford, who owns the business with her husband Paul, said: "We love it here, but it’s not for us. We have given our notice because it’s very pricey.

"I love being here. I love the people next to me. It’s like a little community in here, but I don’t think it’s sustainable."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mrs Bradford said other traders were also struggling and could choose to leave the market in the near future.

The council told the BBC that tenants were given details of all rent and service charges prior to them signing contracts.

A spokesperson said: "The service charge covers a variety of amenities and services, such as water, electricity, maintenance, insurance.

"If a business rents a shop, similar additional bills would be expected.

"There has been no increase to the stallholders' rent or service charge since contracts were agreed and signed."

The market closed in May 2022 for an £7m renovation programme.

Following its reopening, several former traders told the BBC they had felt "erased" from the history of the building.

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