Petitioners oppose market 'move'

The street stalls will be moved inside

Thousands of people have signed a petition opposing changes to Lincoln's historic Corn Exchange Market.

Outdoor pitches on the corner of Sincil Street and the Cornhill are being scrapped by Lincs Co-operative Ltd, which owns the market.

Traders fear they will lose vital passing trade when the fruit and vegetable stalls are moved inside.

Fruit and vegetable trader Bernadette Taylor said more than 6,000 people have signed the petition.

"We will definitely lose a lot of trade and they want to us to move out by February," she said.

Chartered surveyor Peter Banks, representing the owners, said the changes are necessary to give the whole market a much-needed boost after years of declining trade.

"It will be very beneficial to the other traders in the indoor market because they will now have fruit and veg traders inside - and they are a major draw," he said.

The traders hope to meet the owners to discuss the move next week.