STALL holders in Carlisle's Market Hall have issued a desperate plea for change at the site as they continue to struggle with a lack of footfall and an increase in rent and service charges.

Several businesses in the city centre market spoke to the News & Star to raise concerns about the management of the hall.

Back in February 2024, the Carlisle Market Traders Association aired grievances including an unexpected '50 per cent' hike in service charges and poor maintenance - which some feared could 'sound a death knell' for the market.

Concerns were also raised about a 'lack of communication' with the site's property management company, Ryden.

And business owners have said they are seeing fewer customers at a time when many are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Lack of promotion of the site has been questioned with the Market Hall's Facebook page last updated in November 2022, the businesses claim.

One cafe owner, who didn't wish to be named, claimed the management has not taken up opportunities such as the Christmas market, teenage market and Taste of Cumbria market in recent months, all of which would have resulted in an increase in footfall.

He said: "Things are quiet everywhere at the moment. There's probably as many stalls closed and empty than there are open. There were opportunities to bring other markets in, but they didn't want to know. It's just ridiculous.

"We're all suffering because there is no footfall. I don't see any way forward with it at all and it's a shame because it could be a great place. It's very disheartening and frustrating."

Another stall owner said: "We're just frustrated. I don't know why the other markets have been turned away without any consultation with the stall holders.

"This is what's happening to our local market. It seems to be all negative, there are no positives right now. In this day in age, how can you put the service charges up? There's no footfall anymore."

Camelia, who owns the hair studio, added: "The market has organised events, but there's no Facebook or Instagram (updates), no advertisements anywhere. It's a shame because nobody knows about it.

"Taste of Cumbria would have been brilliant to have here, it would have brought a lot more people in. I've been in this market for seven years now and it's gone so far downhill.

"It's getting worse and worse."

The site is managed by Ryden but the owners are Cumberland Council. A spokesperson for the authority said: "Although the council does not manage the Market Hall on a day-to-day basis, as its owners we want to see this iconic building thrive and encourage residents and visitors to support local traders wherever they can.

"We continue to be in discussions with all parties related to the Market Hall to help resolve any issues there may be."

Ryden were approached for comment.