Traders: M&S 'is measuring up at Victoria Market' site

MARKS and Spencer is rumoured to be interested in taking on the Victoria Centre Market site.

- OLIVER PRIDMORE & GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

Several traders still remain at the market, which opened in 1972, even though Nottingham City Council's official closure date was Monday.

Two traders have submitted legal papers challenging the closure. With so long left on their leases, they argue the council cannot "kick them out" without strong compensation offers.

Now rumours are circulating that M&S could take over. Several traders have seen M&S employees walking around the market.

David Bowey, who manages the Tick King business, said: "They've been in and I've spoken to council officers who haven't denied it. M&S electricians have been in and snooped around and some people in suits from head office have been in as well."

Susanna Anderson, from Gemini Jewellers, said: "Two weeks ago I saw some people were measuring up around here."