Market traders win town's support

Members of the plans sub-committee which met on Monday night were concerned about the flood risk, overdevelopment of the site, parking provision and the impact of more traffic on the road system particularly in the area of the Tesco roundabout.

Market Hall traders poured into the meeting with supporters to voice their opposition. They were still upset because they only found out about the proposals last week and were worried about the impact on their businesses.

Other traders, too, were worried about the development. Mr Steve Archer told councillors he ran a business in the High Street which was unlikely to be affected by the proposals but others would be hard hit.

'An Argos-type store which sells everything could suck the life out of the High Street killing more retailers. There are five vacant units in the High Street at the moment and that figure will increase,' said Mr Archer.