FURIOUS traders are uniting against plans for a huge expansion of a North-East Christmas market.

The festive attraction in Newcastle is set to be extended from its usual position around Grey’s Monument this year, taking it all the way along Blackett Street and Northumberland Street.

The controversial move has sparked dismay among street traders and small businesses in the historic Grainger Market, who are now demanding a public meeting where they can challenge the council.

Many of the city’s big brand shops and eateries have also joined their campaign – with the likes of McDonald’s and Starbucks backing a petition to move the Christmas stalls to the Bigg Market in order to protect existing traders’ livelihoods.

Northumberland Street fruit and veg trader Albert Sayers said: “I am challenging the council and Ged Bell to organise a public meeting where everyone who has signed the petition can make their voice heard.

“If there is a way of relocating the Christmas market to the Bigg Market or the Quayside, they should.

“The problem we have is the location. I have nothing against the Christmas market itself, but to put them here is ridiculous.

“The idea that our business will get better from the Christmas market is total rubbish. All the people we have spoken to say that their trade goes down because of it.

“The council has a duty of care to its traders. They should tell us all now that our stalls are not going to be moved for a market stall to be put in their place. We need reassurances, we need to know what is happening.”

Fellow trader Terry Milligan, who has organised the petition with Mr Sayers, added: “The council must be taking lunatic pills.”

More than 150 people have put their names to the petition – ranging from street traders, to small local business owners, and large chain stores including Cath Kidston and Samsung.

Justine Calland, manager of the French Connection in Grainger Street, said that it would be “a shame” for the Christmas markets to damage local traders.

She added: “Big Christmas markets are what every city does now and Newcastle has to keep up with the times, but you have to look after your own first.”

Joanne Benson, manager of Milligans bakery in Northumberland Street, said: “Christmas is when you would expect to take the bulk of your money and as a smaller business we need that to survive.”

New Christmas markets operator Mellors Group Events has pledged to involve local traders in this year’s attraction, which is expected to run from November 16 to Christmas Eve.

Cllr Ged Bell, the local authority’s cabinet member for employment and investment, said: “Throughout the wide-ranging conversations NE1 had with city centre businesses their feedback was very supportive of the expansion of the markets.

“Evidence from other well-run Christmas markets, including Nottingham, Leeds and Manchester shows both increases in footfall and dwell time.

“Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland, also run by the city’s new operator Mellors saw a six per cent increase in footfall to the city last year, against the national trend of falling numbers.

“The council recognises the concerns previously raised by local traders. We are confident that Mellors will create Christmas markets to benefit all, that will both offer a unique winter experience and complement the city’s retail and hospitality sectors.

“Once the formal planning application is submitted, statutory consultation will be carried out with businesses with frontages facing the planned markets and there will also be an opportunity for others to formally respond so we are disappointed to receive a petition before the full details of the plans have been published.

“We have had a number of face-to-face meetings with traders and we will continue to engage with local businesses to ensure everyone benefits from what promises to be a great new addition to the city’s Christmas offer.”