SHOPPING developer Westfield says it has registered strong public approval for plans to redevelop Bury Market.

An exhibition of proposals by the group, which owns Mill Gate shopping centre, was visited by more than 2,000 people.

Plans for the town centre include moving the market onto Kay Gardens, which the firm says will help to boost trade.

According to Westfield, more than 67 per cent of visitors registered their support during the two-week display.

Visitors were also invited to make comments about how the redevelopment scheme could be improved.

John Burton, director of development for Westfield, said: "We are absolutely delighted with this enthusiastic response from the people of Bury.

"Over the coming weeks our team will analyse the various comments and suggestions made at the exhibition.

"This will undoubtedly help us to refine the scheme further and, if it is possible, make it an even better development for the town, its shopping and its people."

The results contradict a survey of shoppers in last week's Bury Times, which showed most were opposed to any change.