MARKET traders and are lining up with Cheshire County Council and the Moat House Hotel to oppose compulsory purchase orders.

A total of 87 objectors are scheduled to oppose the CPOs at a public inquiry taking place in October. At the moment the buildings stand in the way of the Northgate

Development which will include a department store, shopping streets, a library and performing arts centre.

Geoff Mesney, who has run the hot dog stall outside The Forum shopping centre over 24 years, fears the city council may succeed in finally finishing him off.

He told the Chronicle there was a CPO on the land where he plies his trade. While his old street traders licence allowed him to set up at any one of a number of locations this had been converted into a fixed pitch against his wishes meaning he currently had nowhere else to go.

Market trader Vic Button of Button's Electrical was among about 50 people who attended a meeting at Chester Town Hall this week where inspector Robin Brooks explained the inquiry.

Mr Button collected 1,100 names of people opposed to the closure of the market.

The council says traders will be able to relocate to the new market hall but stall-holders want to know why they have not been offered guaranteed places.

Ian Gould, county property officer for Cheshire County Council, said the library and three office buildings were affected by the scheme.

Peter Moore Dutton of Tushingham raised concerns that there had been 'very little discussion' about the impact the Northgate Development would have on the Roman archaeology which lies beneath the streets.

Steve Reay, project manager for developers ING, said: 'The majority of people in Chester actively support the redevelopment.'

The three-week inquiry at the Queen Hotel in City Road will begin on Tuesday, October 25.

The inspector will sit between 10am and 5pm Tuesday through to Friday until Friday November 11. Objectors must submit written evidence three weeks before their appearance. Details will appear at www.persona.uk.com