DEFIANT traders locked out of Newport's cattle market soldiered on with another day's business yesterday.

The Pill market officially closed down two weeks ago, but four traders continued selling goods on the street outside.

Tony Cooper, of Brookside Country Meats, arrived at 6am and left at 2pm.

Although a new market, near a car auction site in Usk Way, is scheduled to open next month, Mr Cooper said he "couldn't afford" to wait until then.

"We've got bills and mortgages to pay," said the butcher, who travelled from Coventry.

"The operators could have made sure the transition was smoother than this."

Another butcher and two greengrocers took part in the makeshift market, although they said business was slow due to the rainy weather.

On Saturday, March 1, seven traders enjoyed a final day within the market despite being warned to stay away by former landlord Grenchurch Market Operators, who have sold the site to Asda.

However, the gates were firmly shut when traders arrived at the weekend.

Gwent Police were unavailable for comment yesterday.