MARKET traders will have to pay more in Huddersfield.

But Kirklees Council’s Cabinet hopes to “peg” the annual increase in open market stall rents to around half the rate of inflation.

It will mean traders will pay only between 30p and 50p more for their rents, which currently range from £12 to £20, bringing in an extra £25,000 per year.

The move will affect traders who use the newly-revamped market in Brook Street, Huddersfield, as well as the popular markets in Dewsbury, Holmfirth and Batley.

Clr Ken Sims, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Inflation is currently running at around 5%. That would be far too much of an increase to place on the open market traders.

“The proposal to Cabinet on October 15 will be for an average increase of just 2.5% – half the current rate of inflation.

“ I think that is reasonable and responsible, and strikes a balance between the need to bring in extra income to invest in supporting our markets, and the amount we can expect traders to pay.

“Our markets are a major asset, and the council is committed to supporting them. There has been huge investment in improvements to the markets running into many millions of pounds, and more investment is planned.

“The accolade that Dewsbury Market achieved of being judged UK market of the year is evidence of our commitment to supporting our markets.”

He said the council recognised the credit crunch impact on retailing.

And he pledged to do more to tempt people to visit the markets.

“This modest increase proposed literally equates to a few pence a week for individual traders.

“But it will enable us to continue to invest in improving the markets, making them more attractive, and promoting them in a way that makes them places that local people, and others, want to visit.

“The council and its partners work very hard to put on events and attractions that have very successfully drawn people into visiting the main town centre markets as part of a family day out. That commitment will continue.”