TRADERS campaigning to save Bolton's historic Market Hall from major changes have been backed by a petition signed by 20,000 shoppers.

The traders say they have won massive support against the plan to bring more high street shops to the 19th century building and cut the number of stalls.

The petition is now in the hands of Howard Barritt, Bolton Council's head of planning control, who was presented with the petition on the town hall steps.

In a meeting with developers over the proposals, traders claimed they were told there would be no place left for most of their stalls, some of which have been at the Grade 11-listed building for more than 100 years. They launched a campaign to fight the plans, which would involve putting another shopping level inside the cast iron structure.

Traders started petitions on most of the 72 stalls and collected so many bundles of signatures in nine days that they had to put them on a barrow to wheel them over to the council.

Banners and posters protesting against the scheme have been put up around the hall despite orders by the council to remove them.

Plans were submitted to the council last month from the Agora Shopping Centres Fund to transform the Market Hall into a centre full of modern and designer shops.

Peter Hardcastle, secretary to the Bolton Market Hall Tenants' Association said: "The response we've had has been fantastic, not just from local people but from people all over the North-west who say they have nothing like this market where they live.

"People of all ages have signed the petition too. It is nice to see young people as well as older people wanting to see it stay as it is.

"If these plans are granted, the Market Hall will just be a faceless building with no-one providing local produce or supporting the local economy."

Petitions will still be available to sign at most stalls. Traders have been given permission by the council to carry on collecting signatures until the planning meeting at the end of next month.

Cathy Savage, Bolton Town Centre Company Manager, said: "The Town Centre Company is in a very difficult position.

"I can see the benefits of the project. The Market Hall does need revamping and we do need to attract big-name retailers, but at the same time this is people's livelihood and we must keep the small businesses to retain some individuality."

Planning chief Mr Barritt said: "I can confirm that we received the petition yesterday and will include the details of it in the planning officer's report.

"We hope to take this to the planning committee in late October."

Alison Raine, of Warner Estate Holdings, which has formed the Agora partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland, said: "The petition against the proposed redevelopment has come from the Market Hall traders and their shoppers. We appreciate that some of these people feel passionately about the Market Hall and its future and we have no intention of alienating those people that visit Bolton town centre specifically for the Market Hall.

"By restoring and refurbishing the Market Hall, Warner Estate Holdings aims to revitalise Bolton's town centre. and regenerate the offering for the local community. "During consultations, A number of Market Hall traders have been enthusiastic about the key part they will play in the future of the Market Hall."

"They are also supportive of the work that is required to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory and make it a landmark building that Bolton town centre will be proud of again.

"The plans for the interior of the redevelopment have not been confirmed and there will be a mixture of retail units available so that the traders who wish to participate in this exciting project will be welcomed.

"We are listening to the requirements of all those interested tenants and, whilst we are looking to attract national retailers to the scheme, we also understand the importance of maintaining a local, independent retail presence."