TRADERS at Shambles Market have hit back at their colleagues who labelled their situation as “ridiculous”.

Two new traders at the York venue say they have managed to build up a customer base in the few months they have been there and called on the disgruntled stallholders to focus on their businesses.

A story in Tuesday's edition revealed some of the long-standing businesses were unhappy with their current home and wanted to move to a more prominent location where people frequently passed through.

However, others have responded with a far more positive message and believe the market in on the up.

Roy Dean, owner of That Cookies and Fudge Guy, says he empathised with some traders but said their fortunes are in their own hands.

He said: "I can understand why some long standing traders have said this.

"Business isn't as half as bad as some people think.

"I started here a few months ago and since we have been trading I have been absolutely successful and I'm glad I came.

"As traders there's an obligation to promote ourselves, give good customer service and good produce, then it doesn't matter if there's passing footfall because we will have regular trade.

"It's beholden on us to get the people in and give them what they want because if we were back in Parliament Street it comes at a price of higher rents."

Rachel Stott, of Holgate, set up her Thora and The Prince homeware stall in June and runs it two days a week.

She added: "It's a little bit negative out there and the people who have been there for 40 years have an old mindset.

"The people I know are a happy band and I'm getting people to my stall and have a customer base already.

"A lot of people near me are all doing well and on a Sunday there's no space for people to get in.

"There has been a lot of money spent on the Shambles re-development but it's not finished yet."