THE public has overwhelmingly backed Newton Abbot market traders' reluctance to go up in the world as part of a £1m facelift for the Market Walk precinct.

Faced with proposals by Halladale Developments Ltd to move them out of the Butter Market and into a purpose-built hall above Somerfield supermarket, the market traders launched a 'Save Our Stalls' campaign – and asked for the public's opinion.

During the last three weeks 2,704 people have signed a simple 'yes or no' survey form – with all but 97 against the move.

'Without question the public have backed us,' said Lee Branson, secretary of the Market Traders' Association.

'It seems to a lot of traders that we are the ones doing all the work. Halladale said they wouldn't go-ahead with the development if the people of Newton Abbot didn't want it, but they are doing absolutely nothing to source the information.'

Asked if traders' opposition would scupper the entire development he said; 'All we are asking is that the council think again and make money available to re-develop the Pannier Market and keep the traders in there.'

Mr Branson was one of five market traders who joined a fact-finding working party yesterday touring first floor markets in Trowbridge and Merthyr Tydfil.

Final observations have to be in by next Monday – but Newton Abbot Town Council has asked for an extra week after a meeting of its finance and general purposes committee threw up differing views.

Cllr Walter Singleton described the first floor move as 'the height of folly,' while Cllr Mike Chope stressed the importance of taking the market traders with the council as members looked to the future.

Halladale's proposal is for the vacated Butter Market to be filled by a major retailer. Out would go the public conveniences opposite Somerfield to be replaced by retail units, with new toilets planned for the western service area.

The new Market Hall would be linked by an escalator and stairs while the four entrances to Market Walk will be improved with signs and canopies as well as cosmetic improvements to malls and walkways.