Shopkeepers withholding half of their rent in a row about a £6 million market complex have been threatened with legal action.

But the James Street traders, who have held off paying about £2,000 rent say they will stick to their guns until they get a reduction.

They say delays on the redevelopment of Rawson Market have drastically hit their business.

Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood has told the seven shopkeepers in James Street their action is totally unacceptable and has written to say they are breaking the terms of their leases and the Council will have to take action.

But today trader John Hardaker, proprietor of James Street florists, described Councillor Greenwood's letter as "obnoxious" and said the strike would continue.

Trader Steve Shackleton said: "This letter is unbelievable. He has also made it clear he doesn't want to speak to us." about

The Council has demolished about three quarters of the old building but work scheduled to be completed at least a year ago has still not begun. So far 12 businesses around the market site have pulled the shutters down and many say they have been hit by the lack of passing trade. The delay has been caused because of hold ups in the sale of Vicar Lane car park to leisure developers

The Council says it expects the sale to go ahead this month.

James Street fish market - part of the old market - which has stayed in the premises is also battling to keep trading. The Rawson and James Street stallholders are all now getting their stalls rent free because of their difficulties.

The James Street shopkeepers have also asked for rent reductions and have gone to the ombudsman about the issue.

But Councillor Greenwood said the Council had a legal obligation to collect the rent owed and Council tax payers would expect action.

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