A GERMAN market will take place in Southampton in the run-up to Christmas after all - in spite of objections from two city centre shops.

Civic chiefs have decided to go ahead with a scaled-down version of the month-long market following emergency talks yesterday.

There had been fears that the market would have to be scrapped because record giant HMV and sportswear chain Footlocker had objected to the attraction setting out its stalls in front of their stores.

The market will now feature a reduced number of stalls and a carousel will be moved to the western side of Above Bar.

Both HMV and Footlocker feared that the market would damage their trade during the vital Christmas shopping period. The shops were invited to attend yesterday's Cabinet meeting but representatives from the two firms failed to show up.

Giving the go-ahead to the market, city council leader Adrian Vinson said: "The overwhelming majority of businesses are supportive of what we believe will be an excellent Christmas event - one that will bring people into Southampton and benefit traders."

The revised plan for the market will see stalls moved from outside both HMV and Footlocker. The carousel will also be moved from outside Footlocker and relocated outside Halifax bank.

City tourism and leisure boss Councillor Peter Wakeford welcomed the news that the market had been given the green light.

He said: "If we want visitors, we have to be open and imaginative.

"Some traders are very blinkered."

The market will sell typical German foods such as bratwurst sausages and beers and wines.

It will remain in place until December 22.

Speaking after the meeting, Jerry Stampfer chair of the city centre's management board said: "We are very pleased the market is going ahead.

"We have wanted this to happen for a long time in the city centre."