STALLHOLDERS were left fuming after being forced to remove a banner and petitions supporting their battle to retain Bury market at its present site.

Council officials arrived at the outdoor market on Wednesday and ordered that the "Vote No to Bury Market Move" banner be taken down by 4pm. Traders were also told to remove similar petitions which have already been signed by more than 40,000 visitors.

The action came a day after nominations for June's local elections closed.

Seven traders who are against a proposed relocation of the market under Westfield's planned £150 million redevelopment of the Mill Gate centre are standing as independent candidates.

One trader said: "The banner was hung above the opening to the market. We were quite angry when we were told to take it down.

"Later, I was told there is a by-law that says that under ground rules, raising displays and banners on council-owned land is deemed inappropriate. I accept that's fair comment.

"We don't understand why we've been ordered to remove the petitions as well."

Bury Council chief executive Mr Mark Sanders said: "This issue is simply due to the fact that a number of market traders are standing as candidates in the local elections. It's totally inappropriate that council resources, including land, can be used to support or oppose any political party. Councillors can't do that."

But he said the traders would be allowed to restore the petition and banners following the elections on June 10.