Traders and shopkeepers caught up in Bradford's market fiasco are appealing for a rent reduction because of falling custom.

The John Street tenants say the situation is "desperate" and they need an answer urgently.

But Bradford Council's market section has been criticised for turning former requests down out-of-hand and taking months to deal with them.

Chairman of Bradford's Retail Action group Jeff Frankel has written to executive committee member for regeneration Councillor Dave Green on behalf of the tenants saying there are now 40 stalls empty at John Street and the number is increasing.

The saga has hit Rawson, John Street and James Street Fish Market since it began four years ago.

All say they have lost trade following the closure of the main market hall for a £6 million refurbishment in 1996.

The Rawson tenants were moved to a temporary unit nearby - but the refurbishment of the main hall has failed to materialise.

In the meantime, the three markets say their trade has slumped due to lack of passing trade because of the closure.

The Rawson and James Street Fish Markets are occupying their stalls rent-free because of their difficulties.

Now the Council has decided to refurbish John Street at a cost of £3 million and house all three markets there.

But, traders say there is still no end in sight because work is not expecting to start at John Street before the end of the year and the refurbishment will take a year to complete.

John Street tenants now say they should have a rent reduction considering the help given to the other two.

Mr Frankel said today: "Some sort of help is needed in John Street urgently."

Coun Green said today the rent request would be considered by a sub-committee in the next two to three weeks and a recommendation would be made to officers. He said they would continue to work in partnership with the stall-holders.

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