MORE than half of the outdoor market stalls in Accrington are being left empty on a regular basis, market bosses said.

The figures were uncovered by the Lancashire Telegraph after councillors gathered to vote to give stalls away on a trial basis.

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The worst performing market day in January and February was the weekly Sunday market, with 68 per cent of 86 stalls vacant since the turn of the year.

The best performing was the three-day market, held every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, with 30 per cent of the stalls left empty.

On Thursdays, 48 stalls on the flea market were unoccupied, on Mondays, 56 per cent of 32 stalls weren’t selling anything, while 57 out of 86 stalls were also left empty on Wednesdays.

Councillors have blamed the fall in numbers on bad wintry weather, and said they expect an increase in traders in the summer.

UKIP councillor Paul Thompson, who is on the council’s resources overview and scrutiny committee, which recommended stalls are given out for free, said: “I don’t think [the numbers are] as good as it could be.

“There’s quite a high percentage of empty stalls.

“That’s just at the moment, because of the bad weather, and it will increase.

“There are lots of factors but it’s mainly the weather so this is a good opportunity to give people, while they are empty, a chance to have a go at it because when there’s better weather people will.”

Council leader Miles Parkinson would not say whether the number of empty stalls is at an all-time low despite being pressed on the issue.

He said: “It’s usually full on a Wednesday but on other days it’s very difficult.

“The indoor market is very good but to stand outside trading is very tough.”

On its website, Hyndburn Council said the charge for a stall is £18 a day for casual traders, with a weekly licence starting at £37.50.