ANGER over the proposed relocation of Bury Market bubbled to the surface as plans were put before members of the public.
Voices were raised as developers Westfield described their plan, which would see the popular market located alongside Kay Gardens and a new bus station.
Ideas for the site were outlined at a meeting of Bury East area board on Monday night (Sep 150.
But traders present accused the Mill Gate shopping centre owners of aiming to carve out the town's prime shopping location for themselves, and sidelining stallholders.
Development manager Nic Deeny maintained that the presence of a thriving market was vital to Westfield's success.
But he added: "However, if we are going to expand this town centre we have got to create a much more attractive offer for shoppers."
Mr Deeny added that the only feasible way for a two-layer shopping complex to be built was by moving the market.
Shouts of "rubbish" were heard and stallholders argued that any new market would be put at a disadvantage by its distance from parking facilities.
Mr Alan Givney, a footwear trader, said: "I just find the impertinence of Westfield in trying to encroach on Bury's gem quite staggering.
"It is amazing that a company can come to a town centre after three years and put forward these proposals without having the market's interests at heart.
"There is no way that this would be an improvement. This would be the killing of Bury Market."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article