LEIGH'S devastated market traders have called for a rent reduction to help them survive.

The stallholders are also planning to seek compensation from the developers of the multi million pounds Spinning Gate Centre extension for lost trade.

Since they were moved from their old site to the car park two weeks ago business has collapsed.

And this week one long standing flower stall holder threw in the towel.

Toiletries stallholder Mark Farnworth said: "Twenty of us made a stand on Saturday and refused to pay our rent.

"We were told that if we didn't we would be suspended and Dave from the flower stall, whose family have been here for 68 years, took his stock to the shops and jacked it in.

"As a result a meeting was called for Monday when we were offered a move to the Library Square, but it would not be feasible as we have been moved once. It would be defeating the object.

"We should have had this meeting two weeks ago not when it is too late.

"We are awaiting an answer on our plea for a rent reduction, and another meeting has been planned with the council's markets manager for next Monday.

"We are just hoping that when they build the new market they involve a couple of traders so they'll know and listen to what we need.

"The parking problem has eased this week because it seems people are just not bothering to come."

Second hand dealers Maureen Maloney and Dolly Farrell were both threatening to quit after losing money.

Maureen said: "They're just killing us. No one has made anything and people are threatening to move to St Helens.

Dolly, who made £1 in two days, said: "We would appreciate a rent reduction as a matter of goodwill, if only to show us that they're thinking about us."

A Wigan Council spokesman said: "No doubt the views of the market traders will find their way to the members of the appropriate committee who will give the matter of rent reduction their consideration."