STALL-holders have hit back at the people behind the redevelopment of the Market Hall accusing them of ignoring their plight.

David Wood, co-ordinator of the Market Hall Tenants Association, accused owners Agora of selling a vision of economic boom while his members faced bankruptcy.

He said: "We cannot believe some of the things they are saying.

"Look at the plans. There is no room for more than 18 stalls at the most and the compensation will be nowhere near enough for people to be able to relocate elsewhere.

"The stalls that are being planned will not offer the passing trade that we get at the moment."

Mr Wood, proprietor of Equinox Solarium, also hit out at both the council and Agora for allowing the building to fall into disrepair.

He said: "It is supposed to be painted every five years but that has not happened since the early 1990s and when it rains the place is scattered with buckets to catch the water -- and they use this as an excuse for redevelopment!"

Peter Hardcastle, secretary of the association, added: "If only they could find a space for the 50 or so stalls that want to stay then we would be delighted."

The furniture salesman whose business, Sumners Interiors, has been in the family for 93 years added: "This may mean more jobs in the long term but in the meantime a lot of people will go to the wall."