THE future of Bury Market will be the mandate for seven traders who are standing in June's local elections as independent candidates.

And they will be urging voters to back them in their campaign to halt the planned relocation of the market.

All seven are members of Bury Market Traders' Association, which represents the interests of outside stallholders. They include association treasurer Mr Alan Garman.

All are united in opposing the proposed relocation of Bury Market under the £150 million planned revamp of the town centre. Mill Gate owners Westfield want to move the outdoor and indoor markets, together with the meat and fish hall, to what the company labels an "improved location" next to the Interchange, near Kay Gardens.

Traders have described the possible transfer as an "eviction" and have adopted a strict "we shall not be moved" stance.

They say they are being backed in their battle by more than 40,000 people who have signed petitions to keep the markets at their present location.

Mr Garman and fellow trader Maurice Konyk will contest wards in Unsworth with colleagues Anthony Hill and Thomas Canham fighting seats in East ward.

Shaun Fitzsimmons, Debbie Pierce and Bernadette Hargreaves will be standing as independent candidates in Elton, Redvales and Radcliffe North respectively.

Mr Garman said: "Broadly speaking, we will all be fighting on Bury Market issues. But I'd say we'll also be dealing with issues within the town in general. We will be getting our heads together and coming up with a manifesto."

He feels that the seven have already received overwhelming backing from the public, given the large number of local people who have signed a petition against the relocation of the markets.

Mr Garman continued: "I'm talking with a mandate of 40,000 people. Hopefully, by standing as independents in the local elections, this will give us and our campaign a much higher profile. It is a big and important step."

The traders are listed as independents on the ballot paper, because only officially registered parties can put down anything else.

Bury Council has given Westfield's development plan approval in principle, subject to agreement on a wide range of issues, including the market.

However, Westfield have said that moving the market and turning the bus station 90 degrees is vital for the success of the scheme, which will also see Princess Parade demolished.

Their proposals include extending the Mill Gate centre to include a department store and new shops, a multiplex cinema, and more car parking.

They say there is potential for 2,000 new jobs.