Butchers quit Preston Market Hall stall in dramatic fashion

Clarke and Sons will no longer trade in the Market Pic: Tony Worrall

A butchers stall has decided to pack up and leave Preston’s Market Hall.

Clarkes and Sons Butchers left only a taped note behind as they said they were heading for ‘warmer’ premises.

They also blamed a lack of footfall as part of their decision.

A message posted on the Facebook page for the butchers stated: “As some may have already seen we are no longer in Preston Market.

“We have decided to relocate. We should be open within the next couple of weeks in the PR1 area.

“We have left due to the temperature and we are not satisfied overall with how the new market has been built.”

It’s a sad day for Preston Market…the loss of a market stalwart. Clarke & sons (butchers) has traded @prestonmarkets for as long as we can remember. Good luck in whatever you decide to do guys! #newPrestonMarket pic.twitter.com/n0gvEjx2s6
— Preston Mkt Trader (@PR1markettrader) April 8, 2019

The butchers say they are continuing to do home delivery in the meantime while they find new premises.

Preston City Council, which runs the Market Hall, has hit back in its own statement.

Director of customer services and interim chief executive Neil Fairhurst said: “We were surprised and saddened to discover upon opening the Market Hall this morning, Clarke & Sons had vacated their stall.

“We are disappointed by the lack of communication surrounding their departure and the unfortunate ending to this relationship, but we wish Clarke & Sons the best in their future ventures. We appreciate that turnover is a natural part of the life cycle of a market and this now presents a new opportunity at Preston Markets.

“Since June 2018, when footfall counters were installed, the market has welcomed over half a million visitors.

“The prime location of this stall presents a great opportunity for a new business and we look forward to the Markets continued growth and success.”

Sam Livesey, chairman of the Preston Market Traders Association, said: “We just need the general public to get behind the traders at this time.

“It’s sad to see a business move on and we all wish them the very best.”

The Market recently saw the closure of Pizza Box and Crunchy Croutons, although the Pizza Box stall has already been taken by Slice N Shake.

Under the Fish Market canopy the the Box Market is nearly full with Dionne’s Little Wardrobe now open.

What do you think of the decision to quit the market? Let us know your views in the comments below