Ed Miliband visit boost to markets campaign

The Mexborough MP toured the stalls and pledged to back the traders' battle against the proposed hikes.

He accepted a 4,000-signature petition, which he will pass on to Doncaster Mayor Peter Davies.

Mr Miliband said: "This market plays an important role within the community.

"A big rent increase could lead to traders going out of business and damage what is a vital and invaluable part of the town’s economy.

“I hope Mayor Peter Davies will revisit the situation to make sure that Mexborough and the market don’t lose out."

Mayor Davies has justified the proposed rises, which would come into effect in October, by saying that the current rents were not proportionate and needed reviewing.

He described the lack of rises in past years as “ludicrous” and pointed out that traders currently paid just £2.50 a day.