Halifax Borough Market: Trader's 'heavy heart' and plea to support other indie firms as he announces he is closing his stall in Halifax's historic market

Nick Joannou, who runs The Wine Glass, said "with a heavy heart”, tomorrow (Saturday, May 4) will be his last day of trading there.

While he has had support from Calderdale Council, he said there has been a constant decline in trade since January which has “finally take its toll”.

He has posted on social media: “The council have been very supportive and we have tried everything possible to avoid closure but the reality is the on going renovations, particularly the works directly outside my shop have encountered significant delays and will be ongoing for the rest of the year.

"Over the last few weeks, there has been slight improvements and it’s been heart warming to see both new customers and old customers returning to the shop but sadly current trading conditions are just not sustainable.

"My little business has been my world for the last five years and it’s devastating to have to close.

"I truly believe that local independent businesses are the heartbeat of Halifax and our town is blessed to have them and, while many are doing incredibly well, I can assure you others are really struggling and fearful of the what the future holds so please continue to visit and support them.

"The shop will be open as normal for the rest of the week and it would be truly amazing to go out with a bang and my aim is to literally try and sell every last bottle I have in stock!

"I would personally like to thank all my customers, many of which I can now proudly call my friends for your support since I opened.

"Saturday will be a sad day for me and my family, especially as it will be five years to the day that we opened.

"This is not the end for The Wine Glass and I will still be trading in a different way moving forward.”

For more details as how The Wine Glass will continue in the future, visit its Facebook page.

Another Halifax market stall, Knitters Corner, shut down earlier this year after 53 years in the historic market hall.