The traders are among the thousands of businesses in the West End, large and small, that have been harshly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday August 21, just three stalls had set up in the street compared to the 30 who were operating in January.

Robin Smith chairs the Berwick Street Traders’ Society, and is a co-founder of the Soho Dairy stall which began trading in 2015.

“We wrote to the council on August 17 to voice our concerns,” said the 59-year-old who lives in Gospel Oak, North London.

“We just can’t believe they are increasing our rent by 20 per cent, and for three months back to June, when 90 per cent of my trade has gone. It’s a disgrace.

“There has been hardly any revenue for six months, that’s why there’s nobody here. Companies are telling their staff to stay at home. The West End's economy is dying."

He added: “We’re going to fight this... Otherwise, give it three months and the market might be gone.”

Mr Smith explained that Soho Dairy has so far weathered the West End’s economic storm by selling produce directly to restaurants and hotels in the area, including Claridge’s. Two of his colleagues remain on furlough.

He also accused the council of doing “the opposite of what’s needed”, while other commercial landlords in Soho have been suspending rents for shops and restaurants.

West End ward councillor Pancho Lewis, Labour, said: "It's unacceptable, no ifs, no buts, they need to commit to reducing, if not abolishing fees until the pandemic is over."

Westminster Council said it has been investing in its markets by providing WiFi for traders, and said help is available to small businesses via its discretionary grants worth £10,000.

A council spokesman said: “Market traders in Westminster pay amongst the lowest fees in London.

"This increase in fees has allowed us to deliver waste-removal and street-cleaning services, as well as new social distancing measures to ensure markets can operate safely for both traders and customers.

“Westminster is committed to investing in its markets and supporting traders.

"The council is spending almost £600,000 on delivering free WiFi in all Westminster markets as well as for providing digital skills training for traders.

"We are also upgrading storage and food preparation facilities across our markets."

Berwick Street has had a market since the 18th century. It opens from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm.