Market traders in Leeds have been backed by the GMB union in their fight for the council to lower rents and stop stalls from closing.

Workers at Kirkgate Market are to meet with Leeds City Council to discuss the future of the market on Wednesday.

The GMB said the way traders had been treated by the council was “a disgrace”.

The council said 64 of the market’s 434 stalls were unused, with talks being held to let out five more.

‘Extortionate rents’

Issues worrying traders include high rents, an increasing number of empty stalls and a lack of investment causing the area to become run down.

Trader Liz Laughton said: “Many people need the products that only the market stalls are able to provide at prices that they can afford.

“In order to maintain this service we need fair rents and a say in how the market is run.”

Rachel Dix of the GMB accused the council of charging “extortionate rents and service charges” while giving “very little” back in investment.

In a report to go before the meeting, Leeds City Council said: “This council believes that the historic Kirkgate Market is a local, regional and national attraction for Leeds, a destination in its own right, and a valuable business incubator for small business; and that both the asset and its traders should receive better support and promotion in recognition of these valuable roles.”

Traders are due to meet with the council to debate the market’s future at 1330 BST on Wednesday.