Broken heaters add to misery

Linda Rogers wraps up against the cold in the indoor market hall

FREEZING traders inside the Tommyfield indoor market claim they are having to work in icy conditions because of faulty heaters.

The severe winter weather has seen stallholders forced to work in temperatures as low as 4C (40F) during the weeks of snow and ice.

Linda Rogers (53), manager of Hydes Newsagents for 30 years, recorded the plunging temperature readings with her thermometer on Saturday.

She said: “It was colder in here than out on the streets. One of the managers even spotted the large thermometer at the front of my stall and said it was the same temperature as what his fridge was set to.

“I’ve had to wear five tops to work but that is really uncomfortable.

“All the traders are unhappy and complaining about it, even the customers have been complaining about how cold it is.”

Mrs Rogers, from Hollins, said traders had to face broken heaters last winter and the situation has not improved.

She said: “The heaters were working during the summer, when we were boiling.

“Only three are working now which is just not enough for a building this size.

“Although my stall is near the market doors, there are no heaters over the doors, and no double doors to trap the air, which would help.

“The heating works fine in the manager’s office but not on the shop floor.”

Newsagent owner Richard Hyde said the heating had not worked properly for the past six years.

He said: “I know many people have complained to the market offices about this matter but it is no joke.”

Councillor Mohib Uddin, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The heating in the market hall is currently not working.

“Repairs have been booked, and we are waiting for the required parts and the contractor to attend and fix it.

“However, the weather has led to delays in them being able to attend.

“This work will be carried out as soon as conditions improve.”