A Preston outdoor market trader says it will be “impossible” to get through this winter, now the old indoor market building has been knocked down.

Julie Robinson, who has been a car boot trader on the market for 20 years, believes traders need more protection against the wind and rain that they have been exposed to since the demolition.

After arriving at the market at 6.30am on Tuesday (12 November), Julie felt the conditions were so bad that she had no choice but to go home and not trade.

Julie, who runs a pre-loved clothing stall, said: “My customers would have been shocked that I was not standing but I did explain to them that as soon as the rain hits hard and the wind blows it will be impossible for me to stand.

“It was the worst experience for me since the old market hall has been knocked down. The wind was blowing right through.

“I was quite upset so didn’t stay around for long, but it doesn’t just affect me. Only half the traders stood on Tuesday.

“We really do need more protection against the rain and the high winds, which we often experience. It’s just impossible to stand under these circumstances.

“I was hoping the market manager could somehow resolve the matter, maybe by putting some tarpaulins in place or some alternative to shelter the market.

“I spoke to him and explained how badly this is affecting me both financially and mentally and he said he understood. I can only hope and pray that the weather does not get worse.”

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A Preston City Council spokesperson said: “Now the former Indoor Market has been demolished the protection it provided for the Outdoor Market has gone.

“We can understand the frustrations with the weather, but as an outdoor trader dealing with the elements can only be expected.”

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What do you think of the situation for outdoor market traders? Let us know in the comments.