MARKET traders in Clifton fear they could lose business if their stalls are moved when work to extend the tram system begins next month.
The Southchurch Drive market is held every Friday and Saturday and traders sell meat, fruit, vegetables and household items.
There are fears the stalls will have to move, which could lead to fewer customers using them.
Dean Kerry, who has run a fruit and vegetable stall for 25 years, believes the market could stay in the same spot during the work.
He said: "We're being told that we might have to move to another location because we can't load from Southchurch Drive on to the pavement where the stalls are, but I still think it could be possible.
"If we were forced to move, it would cause quite a few issues – the footfall that we have along here on market days is fantastic and it's always busy.
"The market attracts a lot of people because we're on the main shopping street.
"The market here is one of the more successful ones in the city and it would be a shame to harm its viability."
Stallholder Tina Wilson, who sells household items, was worried about any move away from Southchurch Drive.
"We've heard a few sites being mentioned but anywhere away from here is going to cause problems because we just won't get the passing trade," she said.
"The market also supports the local shops too – people walk up and down the street, going between the bank and the chip shop and the market stalls.
"Supporting high streets is something that should be welcomed, not harmed by looking at moving the market."
Mrs Wilson has set up a petition calling on Nottingham City Council's markets and fairs department to keep the market running at its current location.
Marilyn Swainston, 61, of Clifton, was among those keen to sign the petition.
She said: "If they moved the market it would be bad for Clifton – here, it is close to the shops and convenient.
"People often pop out of their house and expect to be down here for an hour and end up spending two because there's plenty going on."
Chris Deas, of Nottingham City Council, said: "The extent of the tram works along Southchurch Drive will increase towards the end of February.
"The works will impact on the market and we will, therefore, be discussing with the traders how to minimise any disruption to their activity.
"This includes considering options to temporarily relocate the traders to a nearby location."
Has your business been affected by the tram works? Email newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
