A PUBLIC meeting to discuss a possible £9million development of Clitheroe Market saw almost universal opposition to a possible hotel on the site.

Around 100 people, including, market traders, business owners, shoppers and councillors attended the meeting at Trinity Methodist Church on Wednesday evening.

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They discussed the proposed development by preferred partners Barnfield Construction which would see the market space developed, new retail units built and a possible hotel in the Station Road area.

Jane Baron, from the market traders’ group, said: “The market needs better weather protection and must remain on one level.

“The present cabins work well but the key issue is more parking.

“We would propose making parking free for two hours to compete with nearby supermarkets.

“We definitely do not need a hotel on the site.”

Although not a formal Ribble Valley Borough Council consultation on the issue, those attending were asked to fill in a survey about the market site development which would be fed back to planners.

Included were their opinions on the four issues the council needed to be addressed; the improvement of the market, parking, the need to increase retail and the shortage of hotel accommodation.

They were also asked to suggest any alternatives to a hotel which would meet the needs of people in the Ribble Valley and render the project economically viable.

Ruth Thomson, from Clitheroe Civic Society, said: “At our most recent meeting there was almost unanimous agreement that this is the last thing that Clitheroe needs.

“Tourist information describes Clitheroe and beautiful and historic market town. Everything should be in keeping.”

“What would improve things would be better promotion, signs and marketing of our great market.”

Richard Dugdale, who has been a trader on the market for 46 years, said: “This is a traditional market and the plans to me are a shambles.

“The town doesn’t need, it, there’s not room for hotel.”

Ribble Valley councillor Paul Elms, said: “I’ve not had one constituent whose told me they support the plans.”

“But there are 40 councillors, people should contact them to give their views.”