A BURY MP believes that a case has not yet been made for moving Bury Market.

Developers Westfield have not won the hearts and minds of Bury people with their £150 million plan to transform the town centre said David Chaytor.

After talks last week with Westfield officials in London he said they agreed that there was a long way to go before detailed planning permission was sought.

Further talks will be arranged with affected parties, especially market traders, who are angry that the proposal involves moving the market.

Mr Chaytor said he told Westfield that many of his constituents welcomed the prospect of £150 million of investment, to create a new department store, cinema and an improved bus station.

But, he said: "The case for moving the market towards Kay Gardens has not yet been made successfully.

"I called on the company to engage in further discussions and to consider alternative means of securing our common objective of a bigger, more accessible and more vibrant town centre.

"I was encouraged by their recognition that, while the scheme including the market move was their preferred option, it was not the only option under consideration."

The Bury North backbencher added: "The proposals, alongside the proposals for The Rock Triangle, could represent the most exciting development in Bury for many years."