TRADERS fear they might have to fold their businesses if the proposed redevelopment of Clitheroe’s historic market goes ahead.

If approved by Ribble Valley Council, the £9million ‘Market Quarter’ plans would see the 900-year-old market become a 60-bedroom hotel, with retail and leisure units.

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Submitted by Nelson-based Barnfield Construction, the proposed plans include a revamped two-storey market hall.

Alison Glover, from Clitheroe, has run Ali’s Kitchen at the market for 14 years and said her business would have to end if the plans went ahead. The 60-year-old said: “My van wouldn’t be able to go inside the market because it wouldn’t be allowed in there.

“The fact it’s a closed-off space means my business would have to cease trading.

“I don’t want to move. Why should we move? I have built up some loyal customers who walk around the market, stop off at my place and sit at the table and chair outside.

“I don’t pitch up at other markets, I’ve been coming here for years, I like it how it is. The market does need change I grant you, we could have a bit more of a protected roof and maybe the circular stalls could be spruced up, but these proposals are too much.”

A number of traders have formed ‘The Clitheroe Market Traders Steering Group’ to campaign against the proposed plans that were unveiled last Friday.

Jenny Potts, has owned her floristry business for seven years and said it’s a ‘scary situation’ for stall holders. She said: “My flowers look beautiful in the out door sunshine, everyone knows I have my flowers spread out and into the open space.

“If I was to be shoved in the back of an indoor market my flowers would possibly die and my business would suffer.

“Everyone asks me what I would do if we had to go in there, and my answer is I don’t know, it’s a scary situation.

“I do have somewhere to fall back to in Preston but I really love working here.

“The customers are amazing and there’s a special feel to this market. It’s like no other.”

Clitheroe resident, Brenda Kay, has been visiting the town’s market for more than 50 years.

She said:”I’ve not heard anyone of being in favour of this market. We want it to stay as it is, the customers enjoy the fresh air and the sense of being outdoors.”

“It helps many people get out and about.”

A formal planning application is due to be submitted in the autumn with the first phase of construction scheduled by February, next year, if approved.