MARKET traders fear that if business doesn't pick up soon, they'll be forced to up sticks and shut down the market hall for good.

More than 25 traders who man the stalls at the market hall in Runcorn Old Town are despairing about dwindling profits and a lack of custom sustained over the past six months.

They are disheartened that not enough advertising has been done by Halton Borough Council to promote the new market, and claim not enough people are aware of its existence.

Joanna Dundon, who has a jewellery stall at the market called Funky Things, said: 'I went home in tears this week as I didn't get any trade all day. We can't go on like this.

'You see hundreds of people mulling around the Old Town, but nobody comes into the market to buy anything.

'I've heard people say that they didn't know there was a market in Runcorn, and until people know that we are here then things aren't going to improve.

'The council needs to give us more advertising space, we haven't had any since May.

'You'd imagine they'd be pushing the market in a bigger way by taking more pictures of the inside and telling people what we've got to offer.'

Judy Meredith, who sells rugs and bed-ding, said: 'If trade carries on like this and people don't come and support us the market will have to shut.

'Maybe it's not as big as people thought it would be - but we have got everything under one roof.

It is also hoped that when former Big Brother contestant Craig Philips arrives at the Market Hall at around 1pm on Saturday, it will go some way towards boosting its profile.

Craig is making an appearance in advance of his forthcoming panto Aladdin at The Brindley arts centre.