End of an era for Nelson Market trader

Nelson stall holder, Lorraine Pickles, will retire from Admirall Market.

Star Stalls Hosiery’s owner Lorraine Pickles has worked in the market for 36 years.

The stall has provided lots of clothing for men, women and children down the years, but Lorraine revealed: “I’ve decided to retire.”

At this stage no one is taking it over, so it will be shut down next week.

Lorraine, who lives in Edge End Avenue, Brierfield, said: “The last three years have been very difficult here.” And she feels Pendle Council has been “a disgrace” and should do more to make it an active sales location.

However, she added: “It’s been great here a lot of the time. This business was in the old market as Star Stalls so it has been in operation for 60 years.

“I have worked at lots of stalls in the market before, but I bought this one 17 years ago.

“I feel sad it is not going to be here any more. After coming here so long, customers become your friends. I will miss them. To me, it very much feels like the end of an era.”

Now that she is retiring, Lorraine intends to spend more time on her hobby – she is involved with the Pendle Hippodrome Theatre and plans to get more involved with performances there.