A STREET market could soon be created in Runcorn Old Town.

This is just one of a number of options being considered by Halton councillors as they draw up detailed plans to rejuvenate the town centre.

A multi-million scheme to revitalise the former market, busway and central shopping area was given outline planning permission this week.

The full details still have to be finalised.

Halton councillors stress there is still plenty of time for discussion and are anxious to carry on consulting with stallholders and traders.

The existing market hall and busway are to be demolished to make way for a newly-designed town centre.

An anchor foodstore and 10 new units are to be built on the car park, near Loch Street.

The name of the supermarket is expected to be announced by Christmas. New bus bays will replace the busway.

A "market place island" with a small cafe, toilets and a clock tower feature is being proposed but the full details have not yet been finalised.

Five letters of objection were submitted to the Planning and Transportation Committee on Monday.

One letter signed by 18 market traders complained that the proposed market would be isolated from the main development.

Some fear the new plans will replace stalls with a series of kiosks.

They say it is unfair to replace the old market hall with a much smaller development.

Councillors say they are keen to preserve Runcorn as a market town and will be considering a range of options, including a weekly street market.

A new link road into the Old Town is being built to give access direct from the Expressway.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.