LEIGH'S multi-million pound Spinning Gate Shopping Centre expansion is well under way -- and work has now started on the new outdoor market site.

According to town centre co-ordinator, Laurie Barton, the first priority is to finish work on the market base in Albion Street.

And this news has pleased the remaining outdoor traders battling on to make a living on the Gas Street car park site.

Laurie said: "The new location will help link the outdoor and indoor markets together and provide a traditional bustling market environment just off the town centre's main shopping street.

"The move will hopefully be a boost to the outdoor traders who will benefit from being closer to an area of high pedestrian flow."

The wall of the existing Spinning Gate service yard has been demolished to make way for five new kiosks and permanently sited stalls.

These are expected to be finished in April so that traders can move in as soon as possible.

But this week the outdoor businesses were still awaiting to hear of a package being put together for them following a site visit last week by Wigan's director of Leisure, Rodney Hill.

Their spokesman, Maureen Maloney, said: "We have heard nothing yet. How long are we expected to stand here not making any money? We are sick of false promises.

"We have had two nice days this week and there are still no customers about. How long can we survive like this? If they would compensate us for our rent at least we could survive.

"It is soul destroying standing here for nothing."

Former Leigh slippers trader, Dean Gorton, who gave up his stall before Christmas after three weeks at the temporary site, said: "This was a nice little market. I stood here from it opening, but after the moves it cost me a fortune.

"I couldn't stay, I was losing too much money. If people want slippers for £1 now they'll have to come to North Yorkshire."

Town centre management leader, Cllr Brian Jarvis said: "I believe a rent-free period for the traders is being looked at, but I am still waiting for Wigan Council's cabinet member for leisure and cultural services, Cllr Brian Baldwin, to get back to me and the traders."