Her comments came after Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield defended efforts to increase visitor numbers through events and promotions.
The council pointed to organised activities including farmers’ markets, themed family events and partnerships with city-centre organisations in a bid to attract more people to the venue.
Peatfield added the authority continued to invest in initiatives designed to boost footfall and was learning how to appeal to different audiences throughout the week.
But Spurgeon said traders needed more help because occasional busy periods were not enough to make businesses viable.
“If we as traders just have to wait until they have the occasional footfall in order to make some money, it’s not good,” she said.
She argued that more should have been done to understand why traders were leaving and to review the market’s operating model.
Reflecting on her time at the market, Spurgeon said she regretted moving her business there.
“It has left me with a bill still owed to Derby Council which they’re chasing me for.
“I’m still trying to build myself back since leaving which is very hard… it was a story that was sold for us to get in there.”
Despite her criticism, Spurgeon said she did not blame market officers and managers directly, saying they had worked hard within the constraints they had.
Looking ahead, she questioned whether the council could make the market a long-term success, but said any prospective private operator would need a clear vision and a thorough understanding of what traders require.