5:56pm Thursday 25th February 2010
By Carl Brown
AT NEARLY a mile long and with nearly 400 stalls, Walthamstow market remains the heartbeat of the borough.
Everything from cuddly toys, to fruit and veg, curtains, bags, and CDs can be bought at one of the liveliest street markets in London.
Punters weave in and out of busy stalls, while traders exchange banter with colleagues and customers.
The market, despite being hit by the recession and increased rents in recent years, continues to attract hundreds of visitors on trading days.
And despite admitting times are tough, traders are convinced the famous market will survive and continue to define the local area.
Maureen and Michael Hoskins have run a flower stall for more than 20 years.
Mrs Hoskins said: “It is not only a market it is the centre of the Walthamstow community.
“We get the same people coming back to us every day. It is very personalised, something you don't get in a shopping centre.
“It's lovely, there is a great community spirit.” While there are plenty of familiar faces who have been trading in the High Street for years, there is also no shortage of more recent recruits.
Nadeem Latif, 36, quit an office job as an IT consultant four years ago to sell ink cartridges, CDs and other items on the market.
He said: “I really enjoy trading, its outside, and there is little pressure.
“Its good having a laugh with the other traders and customers.”
Steve Burton, a stallholder and Walthamstow Street Traders' Association committee member, said the market is fundamental to the borough.
He said: “It brings in a lot of revenue to the area, as it attracts people from outside.
“There's also a lot of variety, which appeals to people from different cultures.
“It is a shame though that the market takes a bit of a hit in the winter, but in the summer it is a nice place to be.”
Mr Burton admitted traders have been struggling recently.
But he also believes the emergence of bistros and outdoor eating areas towards the St James St will help boost the market, as will new rules allowing traders to rent vacant pitches adjacent to theirs.
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