A LONG-ESTABLISHED Ferndown trader has expressed "deep concern" over plans for a market in the town.

Members of the chamber of trade are looking into introducing some form of market in a bid to attract more shoppers.

They insist it will not compete with the local independent food shops and they want to encourage traders offering non-food goods.

But David Burgess, from Ferndown Fruit Market, said he would be resisting the proposals, having been "driven" out of Christchurch when a weekly market was launched there a few years ago.

"It may start off not having food stalls but I know from experience they will gradually creep in.

"When the Monday market came to Christchurch my trade fell by 50 per cent. On top of that came an increase in non-domestic rates and a £4,000 increase in rent. I could not survive."

Mr Burgess, whose business has been in the town for 20 years, added: "I do not see why these stallholders should be allowed to come from far and wide, pay a quarter of our overheads and disappear without giving something back to the town."

Chairman of the town's chamber of trade Simon Puddle said the majority of the organisation's traders supported the idea of a market although, as yet, there were no firm plans.

He said: "The greengrocer and the butcher have expressed worries and we are sensitive to their concerns.

"We are currently looking at possible locations and also how a market would be promoted and controlled."

The issue is expected to be discussed further at the cham-ber's annual meeting next month.

First published: October 13