LEYLAND market will not return to its traditional site once it moves to make way for the redevelopment of Southern Towngate.

Ever since Tesco submitted its plans to develop a store on the run down site next to Leyland Market, the nomadic traders have been preparing to move to a new site on a temporary basis while work continues.

But since planning permission was given for the massive project - which will also include a cinema, bowling alleys and pubs and restaurants - traders have learned they will probably never return to the site which has been their home for more than 20 years.

A public meeting is due to be held on Friday, July 16, to discuss the plans, which would involve the stallholders moving from their current home to a new site - a public car park off Ecroyd Street, with the food stalls moving into converted store, which used to serve the British Commercial Vehicle Museum.

Stallholder Laura Chadwick said: "When the Tesco plans were first announced we thought the move would be on only temporary.

"But since then we have been told the move will be permanent. Hopefully, the public meeting will clear things up."

Fellow trader Debbie Noblett added: "If we move to this site, which is nearer to Hough Lane, it may attract more business, both for us and the town.

"It could mean the town became a bustling market place once again."

But some traders aren't quite so keen.

One said: "At the moment, we have stalls fixed into the ground. When we move there, the stalls will be taken down when we aren't there.

"We will still have a shoddy market compared to others. A year ago we were being promised a beautiful Victorian roof, now we won't even have permanent stalls.

"This is where we have been based and people know where to find us. We seem to pushed from pillar to post."

John Bishop, of South Ribble Borough Council's development control, said: "The plans are currently being changed at the moment and will be discussed in detail at the meeting."

The meeting starts at 7pm at the Civic Centre. MP David Borrow will chair the meeting.

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