A market trader who took just £1 in a day could now be forced to shut up shop.

In fact, trade is so poor for some businesses in Cleck-heaton's indoor market that half of the stalls could close in the next few weeks.

The market reopened in May after part was devastated by fire three years ago.

Just three months on and many newcomers to the market are struggling to make ends meet.

Four stalls closed on Saturday with two more set to follow. This would leave 11 empty units but market managers are confident of quickly filling the vacancies.

Meanwhile, long-standing traders who were in the market before the fire hit are building up business.

Paul Marshall closed his fruit and veg stall earlier this week due to poor levels of trade. Then on Tuesday, business at his phone shop hit new lows with a mere £1 taken over the whole day.

"I've been running this business for 18 months now and have been in the market for three and a half months.

"If things don't pick up in two to three weeks I will have to leave. So far this week I've sold about £60 worth of stock. I can sell double that in

one day at Dewsbury outdoor market."

Sue Wibberley, who closed her bedding stall at the weekend, has been running market stalls for eight years and

says she has never seen anything like it.

"We don't want to admit defeat but can't cover the rent with the money we are taking.

"There are not enough people coming in through the doors. Long-standing businesses may be doing well

and some are expanding, but I'm not.

"We never came into it expecting to be a world-beater and know that it takes time to become established. If takings had covered the costs we could have stayed and build on that."

Mrs Wibberley's rent has also gone up as Kirklees Council had measured the units wrong.

Another trader having to call it a day is Julie Gorringe, who ran two clothing stalls.

"It's been a disaster," she said. "I've lost about £6,000 in total over the two stalls. I'm gobsmacked at how bad it

has been."

All three say they were misled over paying business rates, believing it was included in the rent. Some have been hit with large bills pushing them further into the red.

Kirklees market service were unavailable for comment.