Opposition bid to stall market move

KEEP it where it is . . . councillors Sykes and Williamson hand in their petition

CAMPAIGNERS against plans to move and extend Shaw Market have been backed by a 350-name petition.

The decision to switch stalls to Market Street for a 10-week trial was made due to a decline in trade.

Market Street businesses were worried the closure of Market Street to traffic during the market’s operating hours every Thursday would cause a loss of trade and affect deliveries.

But a report says market traders have increased trade and new traders want to attend. The council is asking business owners previously against the plans to approve an expansion and to make the move premanent. The council has pledged £120,000 to support the move.

Liberal Democrats in Shaw remain strongly against the plans.

Councillor Diane Williamson said: “We want to see the cash Labour has allocated for the move spent instead on revitalising Shaw Market on its existing site.”

Local Lib-Dem leader Howard Sykes added: “This solution will not only remove the shelter that attracts youths intent on anti-social behaviour but also provide more free car-parking on non-market days.”

The plans were due to go before licensing officials today.