A POPULAR trader is closing her stall after 27 years because of the lack of customers visiting Bromsgrove Market.

Yvonne Jones, who runs Yvonne’s Place which sells cosmetics and household goods, says she has been dealing with struggling trade for three years now, so has decided to close at the end of the month.

“I have been hanging on by a thread for far too long, so have let my head rule my heart and have decided to close,” said Yvonne.

“The empty units in the market need to be filled, the high parking prices and the rumours of lots of shops closing is keeping people away and pushing customers out of their home town. There has also been misleading information that the market is already closed for redevelopment so all these mean there are less and less customers coming into the market.”

Yvonne added: “The footfall decrease is very disheartening. I am finding it difficult to pay the rent and maintain stock levels so have to close.”

The market trader said she would miss her loyal and friendly customers and also her fellow traders who have become good friends.

Yvonne, from Stourbridge Road, added: “My closure will mean another empty unit, which will make it even harder for the other traders to attract customers. Since I’ve said I’m leaving I’ve had some lovely comments from people and want to thank everyone for their kind words and custom.

“I will now be looking for a new job and will hopefully have weekends off for the first time in 27 years.”