A controversial new entry card system introduced at a wholesale market will remain in place despite opposition and threats to boycott the market.

Since October, retailers visiting St James's Wholesale Market, off Wakefield Road in Bradford, have had to produce an entry card which costs £50 a year.

But the system has proved unpopular with some retailers who have used a range of tactics to try to trick their way into the market without paying, including tailgating other vehicles to get through the barrier before it drops.

Bradford Chamber of Trade claims disgruntled retailers are boycotting the market because of the charge introduced by Bradford Council on the request of the tenants.

But Noel Kershaw, president of the Wholesale Market Tenants Association, said more people than expected had bought entry cards and added that the system still had the backing of the majority of tenants and retailers.

Mr Kershaw admitted there had been problems with the scheme, but said there was a "collective determination" to make it work.

One problem revolved around the speed with which cards could be issued to customers. The Council has admitted to being "taken aback" by the demand for cards, with 500 applications being dealt with so far - 300 more than expected.

Mr Kershaw said: "We have also had problems with the speed of the barrier preventing people from tailgating vehicles into the market. There are always people who try to beat the system and we have heard a variety of excuses. People have told us they are dropping off keys or are just popping in to see somebody.

"That has tied up security staff, but the message is starting to get through that the only way in is with a card."

Mr Kershaw said the system would be reviewed in January, at which point it may be extended to include hauliers visiting the complex.

He said the system had improved security and added that money generated would be used to improve facilities.

But Mary Frame, of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said: "Buyers are staying away or going elsewhere, for example Leeds, where the wholesalers are quick to point out that you do not have to pay to visit them "The tenants are getting desperate to get these charges scrapped and to try to retrieve their customers."

Andrew Lam, of Hong Kong Harry's catering business in Great Horton Road, Bradford, said he had used the wholesale market for many years and was outraged by the charge.

"I for one will be boycotting the market from now until this scandalous extortion plan from the Council is dropped," he said.

"I am also quite a well-known member of the local Chinese community who mostly all work in the catering trade and I will be doing my best to encourage these people into boycotting the market too."

Colin Wolstenholme, Bradford Council's markets manager, said: "Currently there are no problems at St James' Market with the issue of the entry cards. With any new system there are teething problems and our security staff are monitoring the system closely. We are aware of a few retailers that have tried to tailgate and are dealing with such incidents."

e-mail will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk