Senior councillors have been told work at a market to understand the cold conditions stallholders face.

A row has broken out after the heating at Queensgate Market was reported to be so cold it was putting customers off.

Community campaigner Jean Goodison launched a petition and yesterday she went before Kirklees Cabinet to urge action.

Jean, a regular shopper at the market, said: “Customers who would normally come into the market are staying away as it is so cold, meaning takings are also going down for stallholders.

“Kirklees has a duty of care both to customers and those working in the market but don’t seem to be listening to what we have to say.”

She added the petition was garnering support, despite claims that stallholders have been told they’re not allowed to display the petition on their own stalls to seek customer support.

She called for a look at options, including those used at Halifax Borough Market.

Clr Peter McBride, Cabinet member for Place, said: “It is not the responsibility of the council to heat these stalls and it has never been.”

Council leader, Clr David Sheard, said the petition meant Kirklees Council would assess the situation and options and respond.

Clr Jean Calvert, deputy leader, said she had worked at the market in the past and experienced problems with ventilation in the summer. She asked if it was an issue for Scrutiny to consider.

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