A BUSINESS owner has been expressing his frustration with Wrexham’s Continental Market.

Steven Vale, owner of Caroline's Viennese Patisserie in Central Arcade and Offa Community Councillor, claims the market has had a detrimental affect on his business, forcing him to close early on Thursday.

The Continental Market returned on Wednesday and will be here until end of the day on Saturday, October 12.

Speaking on the affects of the market on his business, Cllr Vale said: “The problem is the placement of some of the stalls means that people coming from the town do not see the entrance way to the Central Arcade and Butchers Market, which has had serious affects on many of the businesses.

“It’s been a ghost town down here all day and as a result, I’ve taken half of what usually would do on a regular day and I’ve had to close up early.

“I’ve spoken to other businesses and they feel exactly the same way as well.

“I’m not against the council trying things to bring new people into the town, but why don’t they get the local businesses involved as well? All it takes is them to come to me and ask if I want a stall to sell some of my jam, and then it would benefit the smaller businesses here too.

“Because that isn’t the case, and because they have managed to blot out the whole of the arcade with these big stalls, they just turn up, nick your business and leave, and it doesn’t benefit anyone.

“A lot of the shops down here are struggling as it is already without this. There surely has to be a way that the council could include us in these markets because right now it just feels like every time they get a chance, they kick us while we’re down.”

A spokesman for Wrexham Council said: “The Continental Market and other street markets throughout the year are extremely popular and are known to bring increased footfall into the town centre.

"Officers are happy to work with Mr Vale to ensure his business, and all town centre businesses, are able to take advantage of this opportunity.”