A NEW package was due to be delivered to Leigh's devastated outdoor market traders this week. It is believed to promise nominal rent for stalls -- and the promise of discounts for loyal stallholders when the new Union Street market site is ready later this year. Traders were elated when last week they were promised free rents after two months of hassle, but after a week of being given complimentary stalls a row erupted -- and on Tuesday they packed up at lunchtime and went home because of the muddle, a lack of customers and bad weather. A council spokesman said: "We apologise for any confusion. The whole question of rents was considered on Monday by the council's strategy committee. "They agreed a significant reduction in the daily rent for the outdoor stallholders who will be able to trade for a nominal fee. The letters which outline details for both the indoor and outdoor markets will be delivered as soon as possible.

"We believe the moves will compensate in some way for the disruption caused by the Spinning Gate extension work.

"It is intended to encourage loyalty enabling the traders to have discounted prices on the new market." Outdoor traders' spokesman Maureen Maloney said: "Last week we were told we could have free rents and everyone was over the moon. We couldn't believe it. I spread the word and some of the traders who had lost money did come back, but the situation is dire. We believe the indoor traders have accepted a 10 per cent rent reduction and back pay but that is not enough for us. We need our back rent repaid just to be able to keep going."