STALLHOLDERS are rebelling against plans to flatten the semi open market - claiming the proposal will kill trade.

The accusation that the demolition is a fait accompli has been denied and that talks with the public and others will go on after details are published.

 

The council's official spokesman said 'no decision has been made' on the demolition of the semi open market yet.

 

However senior council figures working on the project have told the Chronicle there is 'no way' it will remain in light of reports on its condition.

The spokesman said: "We are still in the phase of developing proposals, which will be ready in July. We've been talking directly with market traders, and we'll keep working with them as the plans progress.

"We've had discussions about keeping the multi-storey car park and semi-open market and making it more attractive.

"This is looking unlikely due to structural problems with the site, but that decision is still to be made. Traders know everything that we know, and we'll be working closely with them to make sure the development keeps them trading successfully. The plans will create us a better market, attracting more people to shop here, and creating better prospects for traders."