HAVING opened under a cloud, Hounslow’s new global food market experienced a mixed first fortnight thanks to the rain and frost.

However, traders at the west end of the High Street, by Bell Road, are hoping better weather will mark an upturn in their fortunes.

When the Chronicle visited the market on Thursday last week, nearly two weeks after it opened on Tuesday, April 2, only just over half of the planned 24 stalls were occupied.

Those who were there mostly said business had been steady but unspectacular so far, with the dismal weather largely to blame.

Amin Khan, who runs K&K Fresh Foods, selling kebabs and biryanis, said the stall had been very busy, serving around 120 customers a day, and praised the lively atmosphere.

But Sam Sediqi said his stall, selling fresh olives and confectionery, had been quieter than expected, despite a couple of busy days. Unless things picked up with the warmer weather, he added, he might have to move elsewhere.

The new market, open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, is running on a trial basis for six months before the council decides whether or not to make it permanent.

Council leaders hope it will help kickstart the renewal of Hounslow town centre by smartening up the High Street and attracting more shoppers. But old traders, some of whom had operated on the High Street for more than 30 years before being booted out last month, felt they were harshly treated despite being offered stalls on the new market.

Fruit and vegetable seller Claire Lewis, whose grandfather used to run a stall on the corner of Holloway Street and the High Street, was one of the few to take up the offer.

She said she was giving it a go and business had not been bad, though takings were significantly down compared with those at her old patch.

As for the shoppers, most of those the Chronicle spoke to welcomed the new addition to the High Street.

Bhupendra Limbu, 25, of Hounslow West, said it made the town centre more lively and offered people a lot more choice when it came to food.

Gordon Ravalia, 65, of Hounslow, said he was impressed by the quality of fare on offer and believed it would ‘make a difference’ to the High Street.