ABOUT 35 stalls could form part of a new and much larger Romsey street market.

Borough estates boss, Don Whiteley, has outlined details of the plans. Three possible sites have been earmarked, an extension of the current market in the Dolphin Hotel car park into the Cornmarket, use of the Market Place--south and east of Lord Palmerston's statue--and a site near the old magistrates' court.

Traffic would still be able to enter The Hundred from the Market Place because only a small section of the road has been highlighted for closure on market days. But motorists' turning right into Abbey Water from the Church Street direction would be banned.

No decision has been taken on which day the proposed market will be held, but many favour Fridays. Said Mr Whiteley: "Hopefully we can win trade back in Romsey by holding a general produce market. We want the market to be smart. The current one has been degenerating over the last few years."

However, the idea of a Friday market did not go down well with some of the 20 or so traders attending the briefing. One warned it was a recipe for disaster to put stalls around Lord Palmerston's statue.

"There are always a lot of pedestrians around that area. It will be a disaster with people dashing about to cash machines," said the trader.

Mr Whiteley said bollards would be placed around the market's perimeter in order to contain customers.

On being asked who came up with the idea of a much bigger market, Mr Whiteley replied: "We are responding to demand. The Chamber of Commerce, Romsey Town Council and the Quality Retail Marketing and town centre manager, Christine Cole, have asked us to do something. People want something done about it."

Mr Whiteley's colleague, David Gleave, said: "We understand the current market is dying and struggling, now you (traders) are saying it isn't."

"If the current market is not holding its own, let it go," said one of them, Shaun Feeley, who appeared to be totally against the proposal.

In a trial run, the Dolphin market could be extended into the Cornmarket by as early as January.