A STALL holder who will remain at Pershore market when it is taken over by Aldi has urged townsfolk to back the remaining businesses.

Chris Howard, who owns The Tool Den, has said he is one of the few traders who will remain on-site.

He said: "I own The Tool Den, and I am very lucky as the front shops and flats have not been sold, so the card shop, cafe and others will remain open.

"Lovely people of Pershore, please support us as the market has become unprofitable for the owner due to decreased footfall.

"The Tool Den will be closed for a few weeks as I am having hip replacement surgery, but I will be back ASAP.

"I love my shop and Pershore and hope to be there for the long term.

"I feel very sad for my friends in the market and wish them good luck."

Pershore Market has been up for sale for four years, and rumours of it being demolished to make way for an Aldi began circulating earlier this year.

Oliver Mackaness, director at Pershore Market, took over the business from his father, who started it over 40 years ago. 

He said: “We have seen a number of traders depart us in recent years, with the difficult economic backdrop making it challenging for both traders and the Market itself to operate a viable and sustainable business model."

Meanwhile, many Evesham Journal readers have shared their sadness after the announcement.

Yvonne Fairbairn posted on Facebook: "Oh dear, what dreadful news.

"I live in Stourport and love going to Pershore.

"The market is a treat & joy - the good old fashioned shopping."

Ann Evans added: "This will be the demise of a beautiful little town. 

"I am so very sad to see the market go.

"I live in Evesham and remember it being a lovely town before the "big boys" descended, so I have used Pershore for its market and individual shops for many years! Very sad."

Other readers, like Amanda Meanock, hope an alternative location will be provided, like the old M&Co building.