Angry traders in Oxford's Covered Market claim their businesses are under threat at the prospect of a major rent increase.

Businesses in the historic market are complaining the number of shoppers has fallen because of the economic slowdown, competition from other markets and the condition of the building.

They say they cannot afford the rent demands from landlord Oxford City Council.

Michael Feller, who runs M Feller, Son and Daughter organic butchers, is facing an 80 per cent rise, taking his annual rent from about £31,000-a-year to £55,000.

He said: "The market has been neglected and the council is allowing continental markets to take place in Broad Street for virtually nothing.

"Last Saturday, we were down by up to 150 customers - every shop is down and it is very difficult in retail as a whole.

"And to put the rent up by 100 per cent is just laughable. I have two staff leaving after Christmas and I'm not going to replace them."

Now an independent arbitrator has been appointed, after the two sides failed to reach agreement. The first cases will be heard in January.

Butcher David John, who could see his £25,000-a-year rent almost double, said: "We are just being pushed out - I am not going to be here next year.

"I can't afford to pay any increase. If it goes ahead, I will just have to shut the door, which is a shame because people come from all over the country to buy our produce."

Sue Norton, who runs Browns Leather Shop, has traded in the market for 35 years and now faces a 35 per cent hike in rent.

She said: "I think they want to pull this place down and turn it into a shopping mall."

Many traders claim the market is being neglected by the council - pointing to a leaking roof and poor standards of cleanliness, and the fact that they had to fork out £60 each for Christmas decorations.

Business leaders are also concerned for the future of the market.

Graham Jones, spokesman for Rescue Oxford, said: "The city council does not seem to be looking after its crown jewels.

"Driving for the highest possible rents will drive individual shops out - Oxford has lost so many butchers and fishmongers that way.

"But with the current rate of inflation, how the council can push for astronomic rent increases, I just don't know."

Oxford City Council spokesman Chris Lee said: "The council is seeking to secure the appropriate level of rental income from the properties in the Covered Market.

"Tenants did not agree with these increases, so all of the cases have now been referred to a third party arbitrator, who will make the final decision on the rent, which will be binding on both sides."

: