'We want your support, do not live in the past' say market traders

What is a market town without a market?

That is a question that some people in Pudsey have been mulling.

The town, which nestles between Leeds and Bradford, grew prosperous on the wool trade and was reportedly the most polluted place in Britain at points during the industrial revolution.

The smog may have gone, but a consultation was needed to clear the air on what to do with the local market.

Nearly 750 responses to the survey, run by Leeds City Council, were received about how to rejuvenate the space so that it works for businesses and customers into the future.

The existing sales area, which operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, will be opened up to private providers on the weekend day.

The council wants to see selected operators deliver a rolling programme of specialist markets, with themes including street food, vintage and arts and crafts.

That is a bit like the programme of food festivals and other events which take place in Leeds city centre's bustling Kirkgate Market

Just under 90% of people who responded to the consultation backed the idea.

When I met friends Brenda Lumsden and Janet Wallace on Tuesday morning, the pair thought the decline of the market mirrored the state of the town.

"I think it is telling of the times, I do not think it will get any better, no matter what they do," explained Brenda.

Janet said: "There are probably not enough shops here to attract people to come here to then go have a look at the market."

The pair lamented what they see as the decline in the area, which is just a (long) stone's throw from the gleaming high-rises going up in central Leeds.

"We have known each other nearly 50 years and our sons are the same age.

"We used to come up on the bus and it was lovely, you know, bring the kids up here but it is just not what it was," Janet added.

Leeds City Council previously reported a decline in both customers and traders at Pudsey's market, making the landmark no longer "financially viable as it currently stands".

Stallholder Beverley Fish said that while the consultation's conclusions sounded positive she was disappointed by the lack of communication from the council regarding the new plans.

"The only information we have got is what is on Facebook, we do not want it on Facebook.

"We want somebody to come down and say, 'this is what has happened, this is what was said, this is what we are going to do'."

A lack of certainty about the future was shared by other market traders I spoke to.

Last month, traders expressed concern over the Friday sales day, saying it was the least viable of the week.

Amongst them was Shan Ajaib, who told the BBC he was "not making sufficient money" on Fridays.

"We started off with three days a week here, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

"We had to unfortunately not do the Fridays, and that was just because of cost to us," he said.

Leeds City Council said they hoped people attending the weekend events would be more minded to make a return visit on Tuesdays or Fridays.

Beverley believes the former glory of the market sets unattainable standards for today's traders.

"We want your support, do not live in the past, move on and support us," is the trader's simple ask.

"Do not just come to walk through and say, 'where is everybody?'"

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.