Preston Market delays Sunday opening as traders dig in

PLANS for Sunday trading to start at Preston Market next month have been delayed after pushback from stallholders.

The start of Sunday trading at Preston Market has been delayed to give traders more time to prepare. Picture: Andy Brownbill

PLANS for Sunday trading at Preston Market have been delayed after pushback from stallholders.

Sunday trading, set to begin on September 3, will be delayed until November to give traders more time to prepare, according to market manager Chris Giannopoulos.

RELATED: Concern over market Sunday trading plan

“Over the coming months we’ll continue to work with traders on how best to implement the change,” he said.

Traders cried foul when the extra day of trading was first announced in March, claiming it would bring prohibitive costs and unsociable working hours.

One trader told Leader the move would force him to work seven days a week.

Mr Giannopoulos said trading through the weekend was necessary to preserve the market’s future.

“We know that many of our customers are looking forward to the introduction of Sunday trading, as it is one of the busiest days for grocery and retail shopping generally,” he said.

“Sunday trading will open the market to new customers, and is part of the revitalisation of the market precinct which has already delivered some exciting new food options and retail stalls, alongside many of the favourites that regulars know and love.”

Preston Market Traders advocate Manny Spiteri welcomed the delay and said it showed signs that the market owners were willing to listen to stallholders.

“We sat down with (management) and they made the concession that there’s still unease at the market in regards to this decision,” he said.

“There are a whole lot of details to be sorted out, but credit to (management) and to the people at that meeting.”

Preston Market will begin Sunday trading on November 12.

@edjgardiner