TWO traders have closed their stall in Rochford Market for the final time after 30 years in the business.

Raymond and Janet Platt have left the market because of tough trading conditions, particularly since the economic slowdown.

They plan to concentrate on their flourishing window-cleaning business.

Come rain or sunshine, the husband and wife team have been a regular fixture on Tuesdays in Market Square where they sold stationery and greeting cards.

However, the pair, of Derek Gardens, Prittlewell, sold their goods for the last time last Tuesday.

Mr Platt, 60, said: “I’m very sad to leave.

“We’ve had some good times and met some lovely people.

“But recently, things have become very tight and expensive.

“The credit crunch has affected everyone.

“After working nine to ten hours, you might end up with just £30 for a day’s trading. It’s not worth it any more.

“A lot of traders are just going through the mincer at the moment. But the window cleaning has got better and better.

“I’ll miss some of the customers, but we will be cleaning some of their windows now.”

Back in the Seventies, Mr and Mrs Platt started trading after getting hold of some stationery stock from a bankrupt business and decided to set up a stall at Wickford Market.

It allowed Mr Platt to fulfil his dream of being self-employed and, since then, they have also sold their goods at markets in Southend, Epping and Witham.

Mrs Platt, 56, added: “It’s a shame really, but we will still be seeing the traders on Tuesdays to say hello.

“But there’s so much competition for market traders these days.

“There’s so many cheap shops around which are nice and bright and you don’t have to stand out in the cold.”

She said she particularly remembered trading in harsh weather conditions, especially in heavy snow, and would miss the risque jokes of some of the fellow traders.