COMPLAINTS of Earlestown Market's disgruntled traders have been met with a statement of commitment by St Helens Council.

Following an article in last week's Newton Guardian, council bosses responded to allegations of mis-management, which traders say is causing a decline in trade at the 800-year-old market.

Traders cited problems such as relocation of stalls, excessive rates, poor advertising and even a hidden agenda to drive traders away, so the Newton Guardian put five key questions to St Helens Council:

l Why have the rates of rent increased on the market, when the numbers of traders and customers using the market are falling?

"Rents are calculated on a per square foot basis dependant upon how much space a trader occupies and they have not increased at the market since April 2004, when an annual increase in line with inflation was applied."

l What measures are being taken to increase trade?

"The council allocates a budget for advertising which this year is being spent on a radio advertising campaign, we prefer to agree how advertising budgets are spent with a traders committee but as there isn't one at Earlestown this has not been possible."

l Liverpool and Widnes markets have piloted schemes whereby traders pay lower rates during lean trading periods, or where loyal traders are given concessions. Has this been considered for Earlestown market?

"We have a waiting list for the Friday Market so incentives are not required, the popularity of the Monday market has declined since the advent of Sunday trading.

"Incentives are offered to regular traders who wish to take an additional position between January and the last Monday before Easter, the rules regarding casual traders are more relaxed on the Monday market and regionally an 80 stall Monday market is regarded as successful."

l Traders have voiced concerns that the new market surface holds water and will be a hazard, particularly in winter if it freezes over. Was the re-surfacing of the market money well spent?

"Just one area of the market surface does hold water and this will be rectified in the near future, the work has removed trip hazards and has enabled vehicle movements within the square and the adjoining roads to be controlled so increasing public safety.

l Does St Helens want a thriving Earlestown Market?

"The council's recent investment of £250,000 in the market square demonstrates our commitment to the future of the market.

"The council provides an excellent venue for trading and charges reasonable rents but it would help immensely if the traders formed a committee with whom we could discuss initiatives to improve the market, produce an events programme and an advertising strategy.

"Of course St Helens Council wants the market to thrive but it cannot afford to subsidise the market traders."