PUBLIC opposition is mounting to the "proposed eviction" of the town's popular markets.

Market traders have also rejected an amended plan for the fish and meat hall from Westfield bosses, who want to relocate the markets as part of a massive £150 million redevelopment of the Mill Gate centre.

Stallholders are receiving overwhelming support from shoppers. In just seven days, more than 3,300 members of the public signed a "Save Bury Markets" petition to be presented to market landlords Bury Council next week.

Traders' representatives have also vetoed Westfield's latest proposal to alter part of the controversial plans. Mr Farhan Zahoor, chairman of the Bury Market Traders' Association, which represents the outdoor traders, said: "This was for the proposed new location of the meat and fish hall to be moved from the middle of the new site into a corner. There were also separate proposals to move some other stalls.

"We told Westfield we were against any changes for the market and to leave it where it is."

Association secretary Mr Alan Garman added: "As far as the traders are concerned, what Westfield plan is a proposed eviction.

Stallholders are delighted with the backing they've received from shoppers.

"More than 3,300 people have signed the petition in just seven days and have put down their comments. They, like us, don't want the markets to move to another site," added Mr Zahoor. "One of the people who signed was a Westfield shareholder who was on holiday from Australia."

Westfield's £150 million proposed revamp of the Mill Gate embraces a major extension to the shopping centre, 60 new shops, a department store, multiplex cinema, 800-seat food court and a new transport interchange.

Under the plans, the outdoor and indoor markets, together with the meat and fish hall, would transfer to what Westfield label "an improved location" next to the Interchange, near Kay Gardens.

The company stress the markets would retain their existing stalls and attractions and have given a guarantee of continuity to ensure trading continues right up until the proposed move.

Westfield hopes to lodge a formal planning application with Bury Council before the end of the year.