RESIDENTS living close to the proposed new site for Leyland Market have voiced their concern that it may ruin their neighbourhood.

Under plans drawn up by Market Initiatives, the firm employed by South Ribble Borough Council to run the market, traders will soon leave their current home on Southern Towngate in favour of a new site in Eckroyd Street, nearer to Hough Lane.

Market bosses say the switch is necessary while Southern Towngate is redeveloped, but traders believe the new site will become their permanent home - and householders living near the new site don't like the thought of a busy market on their doorsteps.

At a public meeting, chaired by South Ribble MP David Borrow, residents of Kingswood Road - which backs onto the Eckroyd Street site - believe the market will lead to noise, congestion and parking chaos, and also encourage vermin and vandals.

Garry Tetlow said: "We are very concerned about the noise it will make."

Fellow resident Linda Baker said: "Noise, litter and vandalism will all become problems." But Leyland's market traders dismissed the claims.

Chairman of the Leyland Market Traders Association, Laura Chadwick, said: "The residents of Moss Lane have said they will miss us. The residents will have better shopping facilities."

The outdoor stalls will be placed on the car park, with food stalls going inside a warehouse previously used by the Commercial Vehicle Museum.

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