DISAPPOINTED market traders have loads on their minds following the move two weeks ago to their permanent new site.

The lack of loading and unloading facilities means the stallholders are forced to hump stock from Gas Street to the Union Street site.

The absence of trolleys and the added workload is also putting extra unpaid hours on to an already longer working day.

Now the traders are calling for parking restrictions in Gas Street to be lifted until teething problems are sorted out, the access entry from the loading bay on the Spinning Gate site to be completed as soon as possible, and for a further two-month extension on discount-stall prices.

Spokesman Maureen Maloney said: "The loading and unloading problem is our biggest bugbear - we're continually looking over our shoulders for traffic wardens.

"It's funny no-one has been hurt in the process. We have to come earlier, stop on longer and spend more on parking.

"We know the footfall in the area here is greater, but some of us are doing no better than before.

"So much for the goldmine."

Music stallholder Keith McGuire said: "Because of the situation, I had to make 32 trips to my stall to unload and another 32 to pack up. You're shattered when you get home.

"Whoever designed these stall wouldn't design a house for me. Customers can't reach the back of the stall because its on a slope and they're lower down. I keep seeing little heads going past.

"It used to take 20 minutes to get on and off the old market, now it takes one and a half hours," he said.

Coun Brian Jarvis said: "Both the traders and Spinning Gate Centre have having problems with the new site

"There is not a lot of room to manoeuvre and I have had complaints from both about blockages.

"Until we get the matter sorted out, people are going to have to be good neighbours, give and take and try to work together.

"It will take some time to iron things out, but I'm sure we'll get there if all parties work together."