Barrow Market traders marked the end of an era as they said a fond a fond farewell to two sisters who dedicated 50 years to their business and the community.

Susan Dunn and Carole Debroize of Dunns Trimming Stall retired on Friday May 31 after 50 years in the Market Hall.

Fellow traders gathered on Susan and Carole’s last day to with them well and present them with gifts.

The haberdashery and crafts business was one of the first in the Market Hall when it opened in 1971, having previously traded in the old market. Susan and Carole were Saturday girls for previous owner Mike Richardson in the old and new market and when he retired, Susan took over with her mum, Doris, in 1974.

Market manager Jacqui Armstrong said: “Susan and Carole have always been together and always dedicated to the market, building up a loyal customer base and making lots of friendships along the way. They were the mother hens of Barrow Market, always making time to chat to their customers, supporting fellow traders and being a safe place for lonely people in our community to pop in and see a friendly face.

“We will miss them both dearly but wish them all the very best for the future.”

After the presentation, Carole said: “It’s never been just a job to us, it’s been a pleasure and we’ve been very lucky over the years. It is going to be hard because we have been here a lifetime. But we have hobbies and we will be calling back in and will keep in touch.

Susan said: “The staff in the market have been great. We’ve seen a lot of changes but made so many friends among our fellow traders and customers over the years. We give everybody all our love and wish everybody all the best for the future and hope the new market is a success. Barrow has always had a market and needs a market.”

Barrow Market traders are soon set to move into new temporary accommodation while work is carried out on the Market Hall.

The temporary market will be in refurbished units in The Mall, facing on to Dalton Road. Some traders will be located in the short-term in special units in the outdoor market in Portland Walk while temporary units in what was the Meat Hall are completed.

Details around the timing of the move will be released as soon as they are finalised.

Until they move the market hall is still open, with traders continuing to offer their excellent service and the Stephen Street entrance still in use.