BLACKBURN market is a multi-cultural haven that offers something for everyone, according to a trader angered by the comments of a stall holder who quit his pitch.

Neil Shorrock, owner of Glad Tidings Cards and Gifts, was responding to John Jones, a market trader featured in the Lancashire Telegraph at the start of October who quit the market over what he claimed was Blackburn with Darwen Council’s refusal to renegotiate his rent.

But Mr Shorrock said the words of Mr Jones were misleading about the state of the market.

He said: “I do agree that we, as a market, do need help from our council and I do believe that the best help our council can give us is to advertise the market and the benefits of the market to the local people of Blackburn and the surrounding area.

"After all, Blackburn still has one of the largest and best markets in the North.

“Blackburn market is not an ‘oasis of nothing’ as Mr Jones stated, it is an oasis of multi-cultural independent stalls offering great deals on fresh locally produced fruit and veg, fresh poultry and meats.

“Many traders, myself included, are trying to brighten up the market and are trying to encourage new customers and I do feel that the majority of traders are pro-active and positive.”