Hunger, fear, and hiding from the meter - the hard times seen today at Bury Market
22.05.2022 - 21:15
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A man eats from a plate of leftover food while pensioners huddle inside cafés for hours to stay warm. It sounds more like a scene from Victorian times than life in the UK in 2022.
But this is the grim reality traders at Bury Market say they are seeing amid the cost of living crisis. Across Greater Manchester and the country, soaring bills have left millions of people facing difficult decisions.
Even here at 'Britain's favourite market', stallholders are worried - for themselves and their customers. "Some of the older ones are saying they are scared," said Lizelle Bramall, who runs a hair salon in the market hall.
READ MORE: Greater Manchester streets where a bacon sandwich might be all you eat in a day
"A few have stopped coming altogether. They can't afford it."
Rising costs mean many stallholders at Bury Market have had to up their prices - a decision they have not taken lightly, especially when they can see their loyal regulars are also struggling.
Last month, a 54 per cent rise in the energy price cap – which limits the amount that can be charged per unit of gas and electricity - came into effect. It means the average household is now forking out nearly £700 more on their bills annually.
Prices in the supermarkets and at the petrol pumps have also soared amid record inflation, only adding to the ongoing misery for many families in Bury and across the region. Stallholders say they are already seeing the impact on people's finances.
Paul Butcher-Fielding is the co-owner of The Coffee Pot on the outdoor market. While his footfall has fallen, he says some customers have been staying for longer, which he puts down to people trying to cut down on gas and electric at home.
"They will have a drink and stay for a couple