Teignbridge Council has confirmed that the £1.2 million redevelopment of Newton Abbot's historic pannier market could be delayed, but is 'hopeful of a positive outcome' despite fears that a legal row could drag on 'for years'. The refurbishment was meant to start about now and traders move to temporary accommodation in the neighbouring livestock market. But a hitch has been caused by the wrangle over a price for the Chicken Café, which is to make way for toilets in the new scheme. Owners Ron and Chris Hailstone have failed to agree a value with Teignbridge for the business they've run since 1992, despite year-long negotiations. With a compulsory purchase order (CPO) and further delays looking ever more likely, Ron Southcombe of the Market Traders' Association said that customers were starting to wonder what was going on. 'I've had people coming up and saying they thought we would be closed by now to make way for the redevelopment,' he said. 'It concerns me that if something isn't settled soon I can see the CPO dragging on and on for months if not years. 'It's unsettling for the traders who can't plan ahead and confusing for our customers who don't know what's happening.' Association secretary Lee Branson, added: 'We've been told by the council that they can't even put anything out to tender until the CPO is sorted and the refurbishment could be delayed indefinitely. 'It's all a bit of a mess, but what's really important is that everyone realises we're still here and very much open for business.' Teignbridge spokesman Michelle Kenney said that negotiations were still ongoing and that she remained 'hopeful of a positive outcome in the near future'. She added: 'The council will only have to rely on the CPO if negotiations are unsuccessful. If that is the case it will be up to the Government Office to decide whether or not to confirm the order and the redevelopment will be put on hold until that decision is made. 'We remain committed to redeveloping and investing in Newton Abbot town centre in accordance with the best interests of local businesses and traders.' Last October the Hailstones accused Teignbridge of 'dirty tricks' by springing news of the CPO on them, a claim the council rejected saying it had written to the couple in July and that it was 'perfectly normal' to pursue a CPO during negotiations.
