MARKET traders across Kirklees are facing a rise in the cost of their pitches and stalls.
Traders in Huddersfield and Dewsbury will see their rents go up by 3-5% from April 1.
The rise means 1-2p extra per square foot of pitches and stalls in real terms.
Rents are charged according to a variety of factors including size, location and whether the trader has his own pitch or uses a static stall.
One trader from the Tuesday second-hand market in Huddersfield said the increase would mean his rent would rise from £14.50 to £16.70.
He claimed market numbers were already "dwindling" and further increases would add to the hardship already faced by traders.
But Bill Wigham, Kirklees markets manager, said more than 100 traders attended markets in Huddersfield and Dewsbury on market days.
He said letters had been sent out several weeks ago to traders to tell them about the increase, which represented no more than 2p per square foot on any pitch or stall.
"The council has a requirement to collect revenues and meet budget targets," he said.
