Shoppers signing up against Bridgnorth market move
More than 1,500 people signed a petition on a single day to stop changes being made to the market in Bridgnorth High Street.
The petition was launched on Saturday after the town council revealed it was looking into bringing in new regulations.
Market traders fear their livelihoods could be under threat if the town council imposes uniform market stalls and enforces new health and safety regulations.
Bridgnorth Town Council says the changes are necessary because certain markets run in High Street – and also Meredith's Yard – are "not being run legitimately".
The authority has been given £50,000 by the Market Towns Revitalisation programme to set up electrical points and to buy 'uniform' stalls, which would be put up and dismantled by council staff.
Landlord Deanna Sandy, who allows market holders to trade outside Liage Opticians in High Street for a 'nominal price', said people from all over the Midlands had signed the petition.
She said: "We received 1,500 signatures just with a petition that was quickly set up that morning.
"We shall keep the petition going for as long as it is needed.
"The High Street market dates back to the 12th century. Stalls under the Town Hall are already run by the town council.
"We don't believe uniform markets will work for a weekly market, which is different to a one-off event.
"Nobody wants to see it changed. It's nice to have the Christmas markets and things like that, but a functioning market has got to operate differently."
Nick Bromley, of Rushmere Nurseries, who hires land from Mrs Sandy is campaigning against the possible changes.
He said: "Now we know we have the public's backing, it may be time to hold a proper meeting the town council and other people involved with idea.
"We will be holding another petition tomorrow, so if people want to come along and add their signature they will be more than welcome."
Bridgnorth Town Council Clerk, Anne Wilson, said concerns had been raised over health and safety at the market, but added none of the suggested changes had been confirmed.
She said nobody had taken responsibility for an accident in the autumn, while counterfeit goods and litter had also been a problem.
