A DESPERATE call has been made for people to visit and shop at businesses within the surround of Tavistock Pannier Market following reports of substantial loss of earnings.

A call was made on social media last week from concerned residents who heard that businesses had been suffering loss of trade since works to the pannier market and surround began in January.

One shop owner, who wanted to remain anonymous, said that no money had been taken since the start of the works and that no-one wanted to shop in the vicinity as it looked like a ‘bomb site’: ‘People are just seeing the scaffolding and not coming in to the market surround,’ they said.

Work commenced in the second week of January and forms part of a wider £2.2-million programme of improvements to the centre of the town led by Tavistock Town Council and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, local businesses and public sector partners. The work involves repairs and restoration of the unique historic architectural heritage in the town.

Residents and businesses affected by the works are asking for support from the local public and council.

Flo Hanson, a Whitchurch resident who shops regularly in the pannier market surround, said she understood the works were essential but more was needed to help local traders maintain their businesses.

‘Apparently these businesses in the pannier market surround have been losing too much money since the works started — it’s been a hard 12 months for the businesses but became worse as soon as the works started. I just hope no more businesses struggle or have to close — we should all do our bit to keep these businesses thriving.’

Mel Allen, the owner of Poppy’s Cafe, located in the market surround, said that she was disheartened by the lack of council interest in the impact of the building works on all the businesses within the market and its perimeter.

‘It would be nice to see the scaffolding wrapped, dressed and disguised to make the area look less like a building site and therefore more inviting to the public.

‘We would also like to see proper signage listing the businesses within the perimeter.’

The work, subject to weather conditions, is scheduled to conclude on the pannier market in May, with resurfacing of the market surround in June.

On completion, the restored premises will be joined by a new themed market located in the refurbished Butchers Hall which has also been brought back into use by the town council.

Carl Hearn, Tavistock town clerk, said: ‘The essential repair works being undertaken to the town’s historic pannier market building are necessary to ensure it can continue as a vibrant retail space for the next 100 years and represent a substantial investment by the town council in an iconic listed building.

‘Although there is rarely a “good” time to undertake major works the council consulted with traders and agreed to the consensus view to start the work now because for many businesses it is a quieter time of year for trading.’

Mr Hearn added: ‘The council is doing all it can to minimise any potential impact including extensive signage and advertising. In the meantime it is still very much business as usual for the market traders who are temporarily operating from the Butchers Hall (also known locally as the Old Auction Rooms), the town hall and Bedford Square and Bob’s Café which is continuing in situ.

‘This is essential work to support the special offer of Tavistock as a market town and in the long term will benefit businesses and town alike.’

• Pictured is the work taking place in the pannier market complex.