NINETY extra car parking spaces have been made available to help the Port's stricken market.
Council chiefs hope these additional bays will encourage more shoppers back to the shopping area, which traders claim has lost up to 75% of its business.
Stall-holders say they have been hit badly by the lack of parking spaces due to the Asda relocation work, leaving the Market Hall like a 'ghost town'.
They have been holding talks with the borough's head of property and support services, Jane Williamson, but many traders think their future looks bleak.
Miss Williamson said: 'We have been meeting with market traders' representatives on a regular basis and listening to their concerns.
'Following discussions with traders last year we agreed a package of measures to help support them through the work.
'The first of the new car parking areas is scheduled to be completed on February 15.
'There will be approximately 90 spaces available next to the market. And we will look into what other steps can be taken to assist them.'
She added: 'We also increased our promotions to help boost business in the run-up to the work, and organised continental and French markets to generate more trade.
'Other events have been arranged for this year including free face painting and chocolates for the children on Valentine's Day. Another themed market is planned for this spring.
'These events have been well received and we hope people will continue to support the market.'
But Brian Hannaway, secretary of the town's Market Traders' Federation, claimed jobs will be lost and stalls closed unless the council agrees to either a rent freeze or compensation for their losses.
Mr Hannaway, who runs a cafe and deli in the market hall, said: 'We knew there would upheaval while the new Asda store is built but the majority of our businesses are being decimated.
'It's like a ghost town. Some stall-holders can't see themselves trading past February.'
Next August the market is due to be rehoused in the present Asda building and a new superstore built nearby.
