WORK is going on behind the scenes to improve the lot of Leigh's troubled remaining market traders.

Since they moved on to the permanent Albion Street site in June, conditions and costs have decimated the number working the pitches.

On one occasion last month, only three stall holders set up at the 28-stall site, and they are claiming that unless something is done, the council will find all the stalls empty after Christmas.

Spokesman Maureen Maloney wants to see reduced stall prices and compensation for the year of disrupted trading caused by the new extension to the Spinning Gate centre.

She said: "It's getting worse. The stall holders are staying away as people can see. One Thursday, not one stall was occupied.

"Customers keep telling us it'll be better when we move to our new site and are surprised to discover that this is the new site."

Leigh Town Centre Management Group chairman Cllr Brian Jarvis, who has been working to try to improve conditions for the traders said: "There have been a lot of teething troubles, but we hope they will gradually be sorted out.

"The wind in Albion Street is a big factor and the problem has been referred back to the land and property people at the council who have promised to look into providing some kind of wind shield.

"There have been a lot of complaints up to now, but come November, December and January, I fear there may be more."

Cllr Jarvis said the new benches on order for Bradshawgate should be ready shortly, and it is planned that one should be placed in the entrance to the market hall, where the pit pony used to be, so the elderly can wait for taxis.

The old benches were removed to make way for the new outdoor market.