Readers have had mixed views, as well as coming up with suggestions after fears have been raised about Carlisle market.

Business owners and traders in the city’s Market Hall say they are suffering as customers have failed to return in numbers following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Readers pointed out how great the stalls are in there, with many saying they’d be sad to see it go.

Michelle Parker said: “Need to get the fishmonger and butcher stalls back. I like the food stalls, but it feels like soon that’s all that will be in there it’s a shame to see a lot of stalls gone. I used to use the pet food stall when we had our old hamster and the card stall most.”

Nicola Beattie explained: “Got some brilliant stalls, some of who have fought for survival this past year, remember these are all individual small local businesses that need our help. The ‘pets and plants’ stall is fantastic with a huge range of stock. Benson’s for your fruit and veg. Many more who deserve more business from the good people of Carlisle.”

Jacqueline Tuffley added: “It hasn’t been a proper market since they altered it in the 1990s and spoiled a good market.”

Kimberley Ward continued: “It’s got some good stalls, but has so much potential as an open food hall, similar to many other cities and towns in the north west. No reason the cheese stall/fruit and veg could not remain in there. It feels like a lot of the stalls making money are the ones selling food anyway.”

Glenys Beaty said: “This would be so sad for Carlisle the council need to encourage people to set up stalls in there. If this goes you might as well shut up shop hardly anything in the Lanes to get excited about.”

Margaret Gate said: “Drop the rents, council take back control and stallholders would come back. Make it a proper market.”

Barbara Ward Markham commented: “It needs a good mix of stalls like it used to, with butchers and a wet fish stall. Can’t blame people for not returning.”