Oswestry could soon lose its title as a “market town” as shoppers continue to shun the stalls in favour of supermarkets, putting the future of the town’s Bailey Head in jeopardy, traders claimed today.

Anne Wilkinson, secretary of the Oswestry National Market Traders Federation, said some traders had seen sales dip by up to 50 per cent in the last year.

Today she urged shoppers to use or lose the market. Oswestry Town Council, which holds the market charter, is to debate the future of the markets at a meeting tomorrow.

The authority wants a meeting of interested organisations and traders in the town to look at new opportunities to revitalise the markets – such as opening days and location.

Currently outdoor markets are held on the Bailey Head and Horsemarket on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the Powis Indoor Market open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

However, the number of traders attending the Wednesday market slumped by 40 in 2005 to just 33 last year. In 1990 there were 100 stalls and in 2000 60 traders.

“Our stalls are our livelihood and we are not getting the support from the town council or the shoppers,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

“This area of business is in serious decline and I predict that within the next year Oswestry will not be able to be called a market town because there will not be a market. People must use us, or lose us.”

“The supermarket and large retailers have encroached on the small businesses by selling anything and everything, sometimes undercutting on price.

“Shopping habits have changed and people like the convenience of a shop with a car park that accepts credit cards.”

Mr David Preston, of Oswestry Town Council, said markets were going through very difficult times but said the council was looking for new opportunities.

Trading days, the location of the market and other issues will be discussed at a meeting, that is to be arranged before Easter.

The moving of some stalls into Bailey Street will also be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting.

By Sue Austin