A CAMPAIGN to save Bolton's Market Hall has attracted 11,000 supporters.

Shoppers have been queuing up to sign petitions placed on 70 of the market stalls.

The drive to keep the market mirrors a similar bitterly-fought campaign in neighbouring Bury, where traders are battling against moving their stalls to a site closer to the bus and rail interchange.

Agora Shopping Centres Fund has submitted a planning application to Bolton Council, the Hall's landlord, to transform the Market Hall into a modern shopping centre with designer shops.

But shoppers are signing the petitions in their thousands to stop the Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1855, being altered.

Patricia Carruthers, aged 69, of Lowercroft, Bury, said: "I come to the market every couple of weeks and this is where we do most of our shopping. We like Bolton and like the market the way it is. We don't want it changed.

"If it was changed, I wouldn't bother coming to Bolton at all. The market stalls are interesting and the traders always pleasant. It's the personal aspect that I like."

Her husband Donald, also 69, said: "I've been coming to this market since I was 13 and don't want to see it change."

Zara Ahmed, aged 31, of Bury Road, said: "I've signed the petition because I come here about four times a week and would really miss it. I enjoy browsing around the stalls and do a lot of my shopping here."

Trader Simon Hunt said: "I've had about 600 signatures and people are very angry. They are bewildered and do not know where they will go if this happens.

"People are starting to realise they are not being given a choice or any control over this.

"I have been heartened by the support I have received; I've not had to ask anyone to sign the petition.

"I'm going to move out of Bolton whatever because I feel like I'm being driven out by the Council. I think they're being so petty."

Butcher John Kilshaw said: "The majority of our customers are from out of town and they have all been signing the petition. It always amazes me the amount of people that come here from outside Bolton."

Some traders are defying orders from Bolton Council to take down banners and posters encouraging people to sign the petitions.

The deadline for letters of objection to the proposals is September 9. The petition can be signed after the deadline.