Household budgets are being squeezed thanks to the rising prices of food and petrol under the credit crunch.

The British Retail Consortium's latest figures show that familes are forking out an extra £50 a month on their shopping with annual grocery bills rising by more than £360.

Some shoppers faced with rising bills are returning to the market run in Stamford's Broad Street on a Friday to make savings.

But traders are enjoying mixed fortunes.

Charles Cade has seen his trade on the Rutland Eggs stall increase by 20 per cent over the last few months.

Mr Cade, 56, of Glebe Road, North Luffenham, sells chicken and duck eggs.

He said: "As far as eggs are concerned, people are buying more from the market lately as prices in the supermarkets are more expensive. We are often a better deal and fresher eggs."

Mr Cade says his prices at £1.50 for a dozen eggs are much cheaper than the supermarket's at £2.50.

Ashley Boyd says trade is up and down on his fruit and vegetable stall.
Mr Boyd, 23, of Charnwood Drive, Leicester, said: "We are seeing more people but less money. We have seen people pay in 5ps and 10ps."

Stamford man Bob Ireson runs a pet stall and says that life has been hard for the last three to four years.

He is calling on South Kesteven District Council to help traders by reducing the £49.20 pitch rents along with offering free car parking on a Friday to attract shoppers in from the villages.

Mr Ireson, 63, of Roxburgh Road, said: "It is not all doom and gloom but the council don't do anything for us.

"Free parking on a Friday would help a great deal."

Lyn Venables, of North Road, Bourne, sells material for soft furnishings.

She said: "My trade is holding steady as it is cheaper to make your own curtains than to get them made."

Maria Jackson has been running her haberdashery stall for the last three years but will be moving into Stamford's Corn Exchange in September with Sukies Party Emporium.

But Maria, 59, of Emmanuel Road, Stamford, says it is not due to the trade but because she would like full-time premises and warmth in the winter.

She said: "When I have a look back through records I'm finding that I'm serving the same amount of people and taking the same amount of money."

Trade has remained steady over the last few years for Chris Porter, who runs Wothorpe Nurseries in Kettering Road, Stamford.

Mr Porter, of Wharf Road, said his stall was able to sell popular plants such as orchids at £5 while supermarkets are charging £10. He is hopeful for the future of the market.