SHOPPERS could be forced away from Farnworth if yobs vandalising the market are not stopped.

Traders say the market's future looks bleak as youths urinate on and damage the outdoor stalls.

They say they have made repeated calls for more CCTV cameras to Bolton Council, but to no avail.

Many traders feel that the market is falling into disrepair and they are being neglected.

Closed down units and vacant stalls are an increasingly familiar sight as many traders decide to leave for more thriving and successful markets like Walkden.

Tom Nuttall, chairman of the Farnworth Market Traders Federation, who runs a watch stall, said: "It's getting harder and harder to make a living. The number of traders are falling and the market suffers massive vandalism.

"We offered to pay £2,000 for CCTV cameras but the council didn't agree to it. This market is gradually getting eroded."

Traders say up to 60 youths gather after hours on the market and stall owners frequently arrive the next morning to find used condoms on the ground.

Tom Morton, chairman of Farnworth Town Centre Committee, has called for action, saying: "The market is filthy. After the yobs have have been using it as a toilet, some of the stallholders have to hose down their stalls before they open up.

"The market is repeatedly getting vandalised and the boarding at the back of the precinct set on fire.

"It's easy enough to get into the market and yobs are getting drunk, smashing bottles and leaving the mess for the stallholders to clear up the next day."

Another market trader, who runs a perfume stall, said she was desperate for better security after thieves broke into her unit through the roof.

She added: "One corner of the market is shrouded in darkness so it's a magnet for the thieves." But it is hoped that the multi-million pound revamp of Farnworth precinct will include significant improvements to the market.

Glasgow developer Halladale has not confirmed details of the refurbishment, but it has promised to regenerate the area which should breathe new life into Farnworth town centre.

Cllr Noel Spencer: "There is definitely a vandalism problem at the market. But it's suffering just like every other market in Bolton because of large out-of-town complexes like the Trafford Centre. Security does need to be one of our major priorities. But it's the council's intention, along with the developers, to turn the market round."

The market opens to shoppers three days a week on Monday, Friday and Saturday.

Some traders want litter wardens patrolling the streets around the market to clear up the mess on Brackley Street and improved running of a portable toilet that is often found closed.

A council spokesman said: "We are aware of problems with vandals and we have been in conversations with police about the matter. We have also increased our security patrols in the area.

"All of our district markets are under review."