A former market boss claims traders are deserting Colchester because they are being "ripped off" by spiralling rents.
Jack Mitchell, who ran a stall in the town for almost a decade, says high charges are to blame for the growing number of empty pitches.
Colchester Council has just announced it wants to bring in a 30 per cent hike.
The former traders' association chairman said: "The rent went up a lot last year and it's going up a lot again.
"It's one of the reasons I resigned as chairman - it's a rip-off."
The council claims it needs to put up rents so tax-payers aren't subsidising the traders.
It says the rents are fair, with some stallholders occupying prime retail positions in the town centre.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article