Campaign to save historic market

9:27am Monday 29th January 2007

WINCHESTER campaigners fighting to save a historic market were hoping to make their voices heard before civic chiefs last week.

Traders at the King's Walk Antiques and Crafts Market have gathered a petition with some 3,500 signatures opposing the building's demolition.

The 19th century building is due to be demolished as part of the Silver Hill redevelopment.

A group of traders and supporters attended the city council's Cabinet meeting in the Guildhall last Wednesday, but were disappointed to be told the subject wouldn't be discussed at the forum, but instead at a future planning meeting.

One of protesters, Ann Whatley, said of the plan to demolish the market and replace it with new shops: "Winchester would lose a tremendous tourist attraction - we get people here from all over the world."