New year delay for market hall work

The £600,000 facelift of a north Shropshire market hall has been delayed until the new year to minimise disruption for traders in the run-up to Christmas, it was claimed today.

Market Drayton Market Hall has been due a revamp ever since the former North Shropshire District Council set aside funds for the project following the sale of its housing stock.

But the planned revamp sparked controversy this year.

More than 1,000 people signed a petition calling for the scheme to be abandoned and the money ploughed into helping struggling independent high street shops instead.

Now the town's mayor Roy Aldcroft has said that he understands work on the hall is likely to begin in the new year.

He said today: "The market hall will probably be ready after Christmas now.

"Obviously we don't want to disturb the traders before Christmas especially given the recession.

"It would be good if work could start and finish between Christmas and Easter."

Shropshire Council, which is responsible for the work, is to hold a meeting with traders about the timetable for the project this month.

Nigel Ford, head of estates at Shropshire Council, said: "A contractor has been appointed and consultation is starting with traders next week to agree the timetable with the least impact on Christmas trade."