Primrose Holidays, a coach tour operator based in the region, is targeting the growing market of older travellers—and offering hassle-free, experience-led travel across the UK and Ireland.

‘Silver tourists’ generally refers to people aged 55 and over.

Shaun Read, owner of Primrose Holidays and a board member of the Coach Tourism Association, said: “Today’s older travellers are increasingly discerning.

“They’ve holidayed more than previous generations, they’re comfortable travelling and they want to continue exploring – but without the hassle of planning and booking every trip from scratch.

“At Primrose Holidays, we remove the pain points.

“We’ve chosen each destination for its rich mix of things to see and do, hand-picked every hotel for its high standard of rooms, meals and facilities, and selected the most interesting attractions based on visitor feedback.”

Famous Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct in Scotland (Image: Georgy Krivosheev)

The company offers curated coach tours with a focus on comfort and convenience.

Many packages include a door-to-door transfer service from areas in south Northumberland, the east coast, Sunderland and Durham.

Mr Read said: “Primrose Holidays will collect customers from their homes and transfer them directly to and from the comfort of our executive coaches.

“It’s all part and parcel of our more personalised offer for older travellers, prioritising quality over quantity to deliver a more relaxed holiday.”

The company says it supports the growing appeal of ‘slower tourism’—spending longer in fewer places, and travelling outside peak season to less crowded destinations.

Mr Read also believes coach travel offers a positive social experience.

He said: “Coach holidays can be a really social way to holiday, whether for solo travellers, couples or groups, providing shared experiences in a safe, friendly and supportive setting.”

The programme includes trips covering railways, canals, historic houses, Scottish landscapes, and an ABBA-themed weekend in London.

Liverpool news as two players who could join Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson through the Anfield exit door are named

The end of the season cannot come soon enough for Liverpool following a deeply disappointing title defence. Despite spending £450million last summer, the Reds have gone backwards, raising questions over Arne Slot’s future.

Liverpool may have to rely on the Premier League’s bonus spot, fifth place, to secure Champions League football next season. Thanks in part to Chelsea’s slump in form, that looks like it will be salvaged, but it will be of little consolation.

It’s clear the squad needs a revamp ahead of next season, with at least two departures, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, already confirmed. Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the latest news from Anfield.

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Two more players tipped for exit

Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones could also be heading out of Anfield this summer. According to football journalist Alan Nixon’s Patreon page, the pair are at the top of the list of players who could be potentially sold, which would free up funds for signings.

READ MORE: ‘I coached Rio Ngumoha – Liverpool wonderkid’s tournament achievement says it all’READ MORE: Jamie Carragher urges Liverpool owners to complete immediate U-turn after fan backlash

In keeping with the team in general, Mac Allister has been a shadow of his former self this season. And with the Reds reportedly in the hunt to sign Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, the Argentine could make way. A strong showing at the World Cup would drive up his value.

Jones, who surprisingly started at right-back against Everton with Jeremie Frimpong on the bench, could be looking for a fresh start, with Aston Villa among the clubs believed to be tracking him. As a homegrown player, his transfer fee would be recorded as pure profit on the balance sheet. A sale could be best for both parties.

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Klopp’s plans clear

If Slot departs, many Reds fans will be hoping for an emotional return for Jurgen Klopp. Since leaving Anfield, the German has taken on roles as head of global football with the Red Bull Group and as an advisor to the German Football League.

However, he has distanced himself from a return to club management, recently rubbishing reports linking him with Real Madrid. According to AS, the only job that would tempt him back into the dugout is with Germany.

The Spanish title reports that managing his country is his long-term ambition. Whether he gets to fulfil that ambition in the near future could hinge on how Germany fare at the World Cup under Julian Nagelsmann, who has a contract until after Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland.

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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.

Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Premier League on Sunday to blow the title race wide open and Mikel Arteta has delivered his verdict

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal still believe they can win the title even after losing the potential decider at Manchester City.

Gunners boss Arteta came out fighting after a heartbreaking defeat at the Etihad and actually claimed he has even more confidence after their battling display. City can go top on goal difference if they win their game in hand at Burnley on Wednesday night but Arteta says his players are ready for the straight shoot-out in the last five games.

Arteta said: “If they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. They were talking about it in the dressing room. It’s a new league now. They were a game in hand. We have three points of advantage and five games to play. So everything is still to play for.

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“So we know how much we’ve won it and we’re not going to stop and we’re going to go again, that’s for sure. Obviously, they were very disappointed not to get a result from the game in the manner that it happened.

“That’s the feeling, immediately you could tell that they were talking about, and they said okay, we lost an opportunity today, but we have the biggest one now in the next five games, so let’s do it.”

Kai Havertz drew Arsenal level but then missed a glorious chance in the 95th minute to snatch a point which would have really turned the race in their favour. Arsenal also hit the woodwork twice and skipper Martin Odegaard insisted they can still win the title.

Odegaard said: “Disappointed not to win. Obviously we wanted to get a result and we were really up for it today. We played a good game, we pressed really well.

”Especially in the second half we looked dangerous, big moments in front of goal. Small margins to decide a game like this and we weren’t sharp enough in front of goal and that’s why we go home with nothing.

“That’s football at this level. It was always going to be like that. Very intense, very tough. Small margins. Frustrating but a lot of good things in the game from us. Now it’s about looking forward to the next game to bounce back.”

Our columnist argues that all the parties’ approaches have strengths and weaknesses

In this Senedd election the smaller parties are offering three very different answers to one of the most important questions for the future of the nation – what should the Welsh economy actually look like over the next decade?

That matters because while Labour, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru have dominated the main economic debate over the past five years, Reform is pitching a low-tax, anti-bureaucratic populism, the Liberal Democrats are offering a pro-enterprise, moderate agenda, and the Green Party is arguing for a very different development model built around community wealth, green investment and public intervention.

Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and each tells us something about the wider frustrations now shaping Welsh politics.

Reform has the bluntest economic message of the three, arguing that Wales suffers from weak private-sector growth, out-migration of skilled workers, and overreliance on public spending.

Its answer is simple, namely cut taxes, shrink bureaucracy, scrap what it sees as anti-growth regulation and push ahead with more visible infrastructure.

Specifically, it promises a 1p cut across all bands of Welsh income tax by the end of the Senedd term, referendums on council tax rises above 4.99%, a 10% reduction in Welsh Government civil service headcount, a root-and-branch review of business rates, and support for large road schemes. It also says scrapping net zero policies would help “kickstart” the Welsh economy.

There is no doubt Reform believes a section of the electorate is tired of the lack of action and receptive to a message that says government is too large, too slow, and too expensive.

In that sense, its economic offer is emotionally well-targeted, although clarity is not the same as credibility.

Indeed, it could be argued that Reform is at its strongest when diagnosing frustration and at its weakest when explaining how Wales can become more productive, more innovative and more competitive.

Tax cuts and fewer quangos may be politically attractive, but they are not, in themselves, an economic game-changer.

Indeed, their manifesto says the income tax cut will be funded by lower spending elsewhere, without reducing frontline services, but has yet to show that the sums are robust enough for a devolved government already operating under extreme fiscal pressure in a world about to face a massive economic slowdown.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats offer a more conventional and, in some respects, more credible economic programme.

Their manifesto is not centred on an economic slogan, but once you get past the “Protect the NHS, Stop Independence” branding, it contains a recognisably pro-business agenda.

It backs access to capital for scaling firms, a Welsh industrial strategy focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, stronger procurement rules for SMEs, and support for apprenticeships.

It also wants a larger role for universities in research and innovation and calls for Wales to secure a bigger share of UK R&D funding.

For local economies, it proposes permanent business rate relief for retail, leisure and hospitality, a freeze on the multiplier for struggling firms, a £400m town centres fund, faster change-of-use approvals, and a stronger community right to buy. On energy, it pushes for warmer homes, tidal power, floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, rooftop solar and Welsh zonal electricity pricing.

This is, in many ways, the most recognisably centrist economic offer of the three, acknowledging the importance of business formation, scale-up finance, skills, infrastructure and innovation without lapsing into anti-market rhetoric.

It also recognises that Welsh universities matter to economic development, which is more than can be said for some other manifestos.

Its weakness is that it never quite becomes a full economic story, and while there are plenty of sensible policies, they feel more like a collection of well-judged interventions than a transformative vision for the Welsh economy.

The Liberal Democrats are right about the need for stronger businesses, more innovation and fairer energy pricing, but the manifesto stops short of explaining how Wales changes gear economically rather than simply improving performance at the margin.

Despite having no members in the Senedd, the Green Party offers the clearest economic philosophy of the three, albeit one that many will disagree with.

Their manifesto is not traditionally pro-business, and instead it argues that Wales needs to move away from what it sees as an extractive model of economic development and towards one rooted in community wealth, social value and the green transition.

It backs co-operatives, social enterprises, and locally rooted business models, while proposing a green transformation fund for Wales, citizen-backed transformation bonds and a green jobs workforce plan.

It also calls for procurement to do more for local firms and social enterprises, stronger borrowing powers, business tax reform, and a community wealth building bill to keep more money circulating in Welsh communities.

Alongside that is a wider programme of home retrofit, social housing, cheaper public transport, and investment in low-carbon infrastructure.

In other words, the Green Party is offering a very different vision by asking the economic question that Welsh politics often avoids, namely, not just how to grow the economy, but who owns it, who benefits from it, and how much of the wealth generated in Wales actually stays here.

But here the weakness is realism, and while it could be argued that the manifesto has direction and values, it is much thinner on the fiscal and institutional constraints facing a devolved government.

Promises such as large-scale housing and cheaper transport sound attractive, but the delivery challenge is enormous, and the Greens seem better at describing the kind of economy they want than at explaining how Wales competes in a tough market environment.

Therefore, despite massive ideological differences in their content, these three manifestos indicate that they are responding to the same reality, namely that too many people in Wales feel the economy is not working for them.

And if they are to gain seats on May 7, it will not be just about which party understands that frustration best, but who can actually do something about it.

The flight has been grounded and turned around on the tarmac before takeoff with passengers evacuated after being unable to access the overhead bins due to a ‘bomb scare’

A United Airlines flight was stuck on the tarmac for hours due to a bomb threat, according to reports.

Passengers are being evacuated from the plane after it turned around before reaching the runway.

The flight 2408 was due to depart from Denver and head to Washington, reaching the runway at 6.15pm local time.

FlightRadar24 shows the path of the aircraft not leave the airport as anticipated.

An update from the service posted on X says: “This is the second threat against a United flight in as many days.”

According to Mirror US passengers say they were mysteriously grounded for hours, being unable to reach for the overhead bins.

There are reports that a suspected bomb threat caused the delay.

Pictures posted on social media showed emergency vehicles driving down the runway.

The incident comes just after another United Airlines flight, UAL2092 from Chicago to New York was diverted to Pittsburgh due to a “bomb scare.”

“United Airlines flight UA2092 was diverted to Pittsburgh International Airport after a bomb threat was reported onboard shortly after departing Chicago O’Hare,” according to the Citizens App.

“The flight, which was headed to New York City, was redirected as a precaution. Authorities are handling the situation.”

A total of 159 passengers and 6 crew members were evacuated via slides from the Boeing 737 aircraft after landing in Pittsburgh, a United Airlines spokesman told The Mirror US.

An update on FlightRadar suggests that the Denver flight is expected to now depart after 10.30pm.

The Mirror US have contacted United Airlines.

Rose black spot is the most common problem with roses in the UK and can completely defoliate a bush, but one simple practice can keep it at bay.

Rose black spot is the most prevalent issue affecting roses across the UK. It damages foliage and weakens the shrub’s overall vitality. Black spots on rose leaves are typically surrounded by yellowing patches and are caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae, the most widespread and destructive fungal disease affecting members of the rose family.

Black spot spores lie dormant in the soil throughout winter, before emerging and launching their attack from spring onwards. Gardening specialists at Ashridge Trees cautioned that “a bad case of rose black spot can defoliate a bush completely, ruining its appearance and eventually killing it”.

Your rose won’t perish in the first or second year, but without intervention, “it can die after three or four years” of persistent infection.

However, the experts highlighted that there is a solution to prevent your roses from ever becoming infected again, and that’s to “practise good garden hygiene”.

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Practising “good garden hygiene” involves several essential steps, and the first is to collect and burn or bin fallen leaves.

Next, cut out any affected stems before new foliage emerges, ideally before the end of April.

Improve the soil, as few measures benefit a garden more than boosting its organic content. The greater the moisture and nutrients the ground offers, the stronger and less stressed the plants growing within it will be.

Robust plants are far more likely to remain healthy. Incorporate homemade garden compost, bagged compost or well-rotted manure into your soil. These organic fertilisers offer far greater benefits than their inorganic counterparts.

For those planning to transplant rose bushes, it’s worth avoiding spots with restricted air circulation, and pruning them into an open, well-ventilated shape.

To prevent black spot entirely, there are several disease-resistant varieties that are well worth considering. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends the following:

• ‘Ballerina’, Pink Shrub
• ‘Buff Beauty’, Apricot-Yellow Shrub
• ‘Lucky’ Pink Floribunda
• ‘Silver Anniversary’ Hybrid Tea
• Flower Carpet Series

Manchester United are in the driving seat for Champions League qualification but uncertainty remains over who will become their permanent manager

Manchester United took a huge stride to reclaiming their place in the Champions League after their hard-fought 1-0 win at Chelsea. The Red Devils dented the Londoners’ European hopes and boosted their own thanks to a solitary Matheus Cunha goal.

The triumph in West London keeps Michael Carrick’s side in the driving seat as they sit third in the Premier League table with five matches remaining. The former Middlesbrough boss has steered the club back towards where they belong after eight wins in his opening 12 matches since replacing Ruben Amorim on a caretaker basis.

Only twice have United tasted disappointment but they were devastating against Chelsea with Bruno Fernandes moving one closer to the assists record.

READ MORE: Man Utd star gives insight into Bruno Fernandes’ next move – ‘That’s what he’s thinking’READ MORE: ‘I’m a Man City icon – I love one thing Michael Carrick is doing at Man Utd’

Mirror Football has taken a look at the latest news surrounding United.

Michael Carrick endorsed for Manchester United role

Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves have been in agreement regarding Carrick’s position as United boss.

The 44-year-old is currently on a deal until the end of the season having been placed in temporary charge following Amorim’s sacking.

The jury has been out regarding Carrick’s permanent appointment with the likes of Gary Neville and Roy Keane previously calling for more experienced figures to take over.

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But Carrick has turned around the fortunes at Old Trafford, both Cole and Hargreaves have argued that he should be in contention. Cole said: “Realistically, I think it’s secured. It’s absurd to think of not giving it to him.

“He’s come in, got more points than any other person in any other team. What more can you do? It would just be absurd, it wouldn’t be a gamble, it would just be absurd [not to give it to him], he’s proven it.”

Hargreaves, a former United midfielder, said: “He’s proven that he can do the job. Since he’s taken over, they’ve been the best team in the Premier League. They’ve beaten Man City and Arsenal, the two best teams in this division.

“He’s shown that he can set up a game plan on the counter; obviously, today they did something similar. Carra understands the players and that’s probably why he’s there. He understands the pressure of playing for this football club.

“He puts the boys in the right positions where they need to play to succeed and they’re better in every capacity. So, to not give it to him after giving it to him, probably at the time when you wouldn’t have expected it, would be utterly ridiculous.

“I think today solidifies it. If they hadn’t won today and not got in the Champions League places, you could have the debate, maybe bring in someone more experienced. After today and if he finishes third, I don’t see how you couldn’t give it to him. It wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever.”

United in Premier League battle for coveted defender

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. According to Portugese outlet A BOLA, via Sport Witness, the Red Devils are in a battle with Premier League rivals Newcastle.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to England for over a year but it has been said that his performances against Arsenal in the Champions League have significantly boosted his profile.

Diomande is reportedly viewed as a modern centre-back and offers reliability having made over a century of appearances for the Portuguese giants.

Crystal Palace have also been named having explore a move, last summer, during the uncertainty surrounding Marc Guehi but a deal didn’t materialise.

The 22-year-old reportedly has an €80million (£69m) release clause but they would be open to negotiating a fee for around £43million but with competition, the price could be driven up.

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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney told BBC Match of the Day Arsenal will win the title by two points, with the Gunners winning all their remaining matches and Man City drawing at Everton.

He said: “This title race is not over yet, I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come. It is obviously going to be tight but City have got one more game to try to win, so I still have Arsenal down as slight favourites.

“I have been in this situation myself, where you need to win all your games. You look at your games and you think well we should win this one, or that one, but it never pans out that way.

“From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best – that is who will win it.

“City’s fixtures look a little bit more difficult. The Arsenal fans have a big part to play, they need to get behind their team.

Ex-Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Match of the Day, Man City will win the title on goal difference, with both teams winning their remaining fixtures.

He said: “I think it edges it [the title race] towards City. Momentum, confidence and all of those things. I was really pleased with the game, I expected it to be much more cagey. Lots of quality and great moments, edge of your seat stuff.

“They are such powerful teams that I think they will win all the games. Bournemouth away could be tough for Man City and West Ham is probably the one to watch for Arsenal. But I think it will be goal difference and Man City will edge it.”

Ian Johnson said it is only when he gets a mobility walker or wheelchair out of his car that people realise he is disabled.

MS is an incurable condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.

Common symptoms include fatigue, problems with vision, numbness in different parts of the body and feeling off balance or dizzy.

For Ian, who was diagnosed with relapsing MS in 2013, the condition mainly affects his mobility which means he uses a rollator walking aid or wheelchair to get around. He also experiences fatigue.

Ian Johnson with his rollator walking aid (Image: MS Society)

The 54-year-old software engineer said he has felt judged for using disabled facilities, including a disabled toilet, as MS can often be a “hidden” disability.

“Half the times I’ve ever parked in a disabled space people are staring at me and I can feel the judgement,” he said. “Then when I get the rollator out of the boot, people realise I must have a disability. 

“Just recently I was judged for using a disabled toilet. I just carried on and kept on using the facilities – my greatest need was needing to use the toilet, so I wasn’t bothered about other people’s views.” 

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Ian said he experienced people ignoring him when he was in his wheelchair and talking to his wife instead.

“It’s like I’m invisible because I’m in a wheelchair,” he said. “It makes you feel like you’re just not there.” 

York’s narrow streets ‘are a nightmare’ for disabled people, says man with MS

In York, Ian said the main problems he faces are uneven paths.

“Medieval cities like York were never designed for disabled people,” he said. “So narrow cobbled streets might seem ‘quaint’ to most people, but are a nightmare for anyone using a rollator or wheelchair.”

He stressed that “most members of the general public are very friendly towards disabled people” but added: “One thing that causes big problems is drivers parking across dropped curbs/ramps or parking on the pavement.

Ian Johnson in his wheelchair (Image: MS Society)

“In a wheelchair, you cannot wheel off a curb or squeeze though a narrow gap between a vehicle and a building.”

Ian spoke out about his experiences after new research from MS charities found that almost half of people living with the condition in the UK have been questioned or challenged for using accessible facilities.

Nick Moberly, chief Executive of the MS Society charity, said there is a “lack of understanding around invisible and fluctuating conditions like MS” which is “sadly driving hurtful behaviour”.

This behaviour has ranged from “being underestimated at work to being harassed for using an accessible parking space”, he said.

Nick urged people to “encourage everyone to take some time to listen, learn, and understand MS a little better”.

The indoor flea market is a hidden gem in Cardiff and for those who work there it’s a haven and sanctuary. New plans for housing threaten its future

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Stallholders at a popular Cardiff market that’s threatened with demolition said they were shocked to find out about plans to build homes on the site and now fear for their future. Cardiff Indoor Flea Market on the Clydesmuir Indutrial Estate in Tremorfa has become a popular spot for shoppers and antique enthusiasts in Cardiff since it opened in 2014.

Inside, across three sprawling warehouses, over 70 independent stalls sell everything from antique furniture, vintage clothing and home wear to collectibles, art and even Cardiff City memorabilia. Visitors must navigate a maze of pathways through the stalls, with potential treasures to find around every corner.

However, the future of the site is in doubt after plans were submitted last month to knock down a part of the industrial estate that houses the market to make way for 93 affordable homes. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

When we visited the market recently, the sense of community there was clear to see with stallholders calling the site a “sanctuary” and the businesses they run a huge part of their lives.

“70 businesses are going to go under, including me, and this is my livelihood,” said Peter Calford.

Peter helps run his son’s stall, which sells all manner of items his son finds while doing house clearances. The stall has been at the flea market since 2014.

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On the proposed development he said: “I’m not too shocked because that’s the way it is these days.

“But it’s still a bit of a shock because just as you start to get yourselves a little bit established, all of a sudden someone wants to come along, demolish it and put houses on it.”

Peter is no longer able to work a conventional job after suffering three separate bleeds on the brain.

“Even though I’m retired at least it gives me something to do and gives me a reason to get out of the house in the morning.”

Dave Morris runs True-Blue, selling vintage vinyl and record players. He was not happy to hear about the plans and is desperate for them not to go ahead.

“It would be a really big pity if it closed down to be honest with you. 70 businesses are going to go under, including me, and this is my livelihood,” he said.

He thinks one of the best things about the market is the sheer variety of what’s on offer.

“I defy anyone to come here and not find something they wouldn’t mind buying. The stallholders here are regular people who are making a living by pursuing their passions.”

For many at the flea market, their stalls not only provide them with income but allow them to celebrate their hobbies and escape from the real world.

Jim Baker runs 8×10, named for the size of his stall. It sells guitars, guitar accessories and music-related clothing. He’s a relative newcomer to the market, having only had his stall for a few months.

He said: “I’d be quite concerned if it had to close because I have a lot of my savings in here, so it would be quite devastating if we had to move.

“There’s 70 of us, all independent. You’re basically shutting the equivalent of a whole high street.”

Like many at the flea market, his business started as a hobby which he says got quickly out-of-hand.

He said: “This isn’t making me any money, but I come here because I’ve not long had a mental health crisis and thought I needed something to do, needed an outlet.

“I wanted to move away from online sales and actually interact with people face-to-face, so for me this has been a sanctuary.”

Richard runs Dixtees and Vintage, specialising in leather jackets and denim jeans. He’s had the stall for a year and is worried what the potential closure might mean, as it’s his sole form of income.

He said: “I think the flea market is a bit of an institution but sadly maybe not many people know about it.

“The stallholders here are regular people who are making a living by pursuing their passions.”

He thinks the cheap rent the flea market charges means he would struggle to afford space anywhere else.

“I wouldn’t like to calculate what the cost would be of more than 60 traders losing their retail space. By definition, the jobs we’re doing mean we’re skating along by the skin of our teeth, and this is only going to add to that,” he said.

“We all help each other, and we all look out for one another.” Jubs Bowen-Lewis has run Aunty’s Attic, selling china, glassware and collectibles, since 2015. She views the stallholders as a big family that she doesn’t want to be split up.

She said: “When I first heard about it, I was rather surprised and shocked. What we would all miss more than anything else is the camaraderie.

“We all help each other, and we all look out for one another, if that’s watching someone else’s stall or anything else you can think of.”

She’s not given up yet though.

“I know plans for the site have been rejected before so hopefully we will be here for another 10 years. Otherwise, I’ll have to sell up, and my husband will have to be dealing with me all the time.”

Married couple Susan and Etienne Evans are the duo behind Elf Collective, where Susan sells homemade jewellery and Etienne performs PAT tests on and repairs lamps.

“I wasn’t terribly surprised really, as we all know we need the houses, and I’d rather they be built here than on a greenfield site,” said Susan.

Her and Etienne are planning on closing their stall in the next year after six years of business, so know the proposals are unlikely to affect them.

“But there’s a lot of people here who need it to make a living on, and I feel very sorry for them,” Susan said.

“Hopefully, if it goes ahead, [the market] will move to a different site and be able to carry on. This place, in my opinion, is like a haven.”

Brian Macken is a regular customer of the market, visiting every week, both to shop at the stalls but also to go to the auction house next door.

Buying, selling, and collecting antiques and collectibles is his passion, and so for him the flea market is like a second home.

“It’d be so, so sad to see this go, these are genuine people who are just trying to make a living.

“It really is an amazing place where you can meet all sorts of interesting people here from all sorts of different backgrounds,” he said.

Brian retired from his work as a carpenter after being diagnosed and subsequently recovering from stage four cancer, which has only deepened his commitment to the hobby.

He said: “My wife is a GP, and even she said that this is the best thing that ever happened to me.

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“You name it, you can buy it here.

“This place, in my opinion, is like a haven.”

Dave Raine, one of the partners who runs the flea market, said: “We’re still on a lease and so as far as we’re concerned it’s business as usual.”

The housing plans have been submitted by Pegasus Developments and are up for consultation until May 1.

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