A POPULAR trader who has sold leather goods in a Preston shopping centre for ten years claims bosses are turning their back on tradition and driving him out.

Sixty-year-old Bernard Gaynor who works from a quaint 'barrow' in the Fishergate arcade hit out at managers for putting redevelopment before traders.

But centre bosses denied Bernard's claims and said discussions were under way for him to be part of plans for the future - despite admitting they had cancelled his cart licence from February 1 next year.

Mr Gaynor, from Eccleston, near Chorley, said: "They're building a lottery terminal and enquiry office so they asked me if I'd move upstairs.

"Then they said I couldn't even go up there unless I took a unit with a 15-year lease - I'm 60 how can I have such a long lease? But I need to work until I retire because I've a pension and bills to pay.

"They don't want barrows any more which is a shame. All my customers love them."

Mr Gaynor said he was not against development but added: "This has knocked the wind out of my sails."

Fishergate Manager Keith Mitchell said: "Because of refurbishments unfortunately we have had to suspend the handcart operation.

"I can understand his concerns because he's traded there for a long time but we don't want to lose him. We would hope we can come to an agreement. He is a very valuable tenant."

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