STALLHOLDERS at Leigh's Indoor Market are ready to revolt over council plans to allow the selling of food on outdoor stalls.

They are angry at the plans which were first mooted as part of a campaign to make Leigh Market more attractive to shoppers.

It would mean, the council says, that the outdoor market would attract more customers.

But, say some Leigh market traders, the plan will disadvantage indoor stallholders who have to pay more for their pitch than those in the open air. There are plans for some stallholders to apply for lower charges or to apply for an outside stall.

A meeting is being held this week between representatives of Leigh Market Traders Association and the council.

Alan Jones, secretary of the Association, commented: " The council's idea is rocking the boat with indoor stallholders and we want to know the full details of what the council have in mind. We know that a survey has found there are not enough outdoor stalls, but we want the whole plan thrashed out."

A council spokesman said: "The idea of allowing traders to sell food outside has been agreed in principle, but this is only pre-packed and refrigerated food. This is done at all other markets except for Leigh and Wigan and we will be holding a meeting to sort out any problems."

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