THE voices of thousands of people opposing the demolition of an historic Hampshire building have been heard by civic chiefs.

Traders at Winchester's Antique Market in Kings Walk lobbied the city council Cabinet yesterday, protesting about the proposed demolition of the 19th century warehouse.

The £100m Silver Hill redevelopment proposes homes and car parks on the site of the market.

Judith Burnett, a stall holder, told the senior councillors: "We believe it is a unique and valuable shopping experience both for local people and tourists that come to the city. We have more than 3,600 signatures in support of keeping the market open and against demolition of this ancient building. We want to firmly register our protest against this."

Ms Burnett later gave the Daily Echo her assessment of their chances of success: "I think if we make enough fuss there is time for this to be reconsidered."

Another stallholder Ann Whatley said: "Winchester would lose a tremendous tourist attraction."

Developer Thornfield Properties has submitted a planning application which is currently being considered by planners.

Yesterday in a secret session the Cabinet considered changes to the development agreement with Thornfield.

Prominent local architect and critic of the scheme Huw Thomas said: "I fear the council is allowing Thornfield to amend their scheme. Last year local architects were told the council no longer accepted amendments without the whole scheme being resubmitted.

"If this goes through, Winchester won't be the same again."