A trader in Preston’s new Market Hall has decided to quit just two and a half months since it opened.

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RainFlorist, run by Lorraine Johnson, say staffing issues and the logistics of also managing a stall at Blackburn Market have taken their toll.

In a statement she said: “Unfortunately, I have had to make the decision to focus solely on my stall at Blackburn Market as the logistics of running two businesses simultaneously, one of which is in a brand new location with a new customer base, has proven too complicated with my current staffing issues.

“I have enjoyed being part of the new Preston Markets launch, and wish my fellow traders every success for the future.”

Read more: Preston Market teething problems continue to be fixed as traders list complaints

The new market opened in mid-February and is expected to have all stalls open in the coming weeks – along with the Box Market under the Fish Market canopy being full of new traders too.

Director of environment and soon to be interim chief executive of the city council Adrian Phillips said: “We are sorry to see The RainFlorist go – Lorraine added a different dimension to the markets offer and will be missed. We wish her continued success with her business.

“Since opening in February the new Market Hall has been a great success attracting not only local residents but people from across the region. The markets are definitely becoming a destination and it has been great to see so many people come out and support traders in the first few months. With significant interest in the few remaining stalls, we anticipate the Market Hall and Box Market to be at full capacity over the coming months.”

Read more: Update on when new stalls will open in Preston Market

What do you think about the end of The RainFlorest? What do you think of the new markets? Let us know in the comments below