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Dorchester's Roman market site to be revamped

BBC Dorchester MarketBBC
It is not yet known where the market would move to

A 150-year-old market built on a former Roman site could be demolished to make way for a shopping complex.

Councillors agreed "in principal" that Dorchester market and Fairfield car park be revamped.

It also ed plans for Charles Street car park to be transformed into a supermarket.

Market traders and residents have said the proposals would "kill" the town. Concerns have also been raised over increased traffic and lack of parking.

Charles Street car park
Dorchester's Charles Street site would be developed into a supermarket under the proposals

West Dorset District Council said it was looking at providing multi-storey parking as a solution.

It also said the market, which archaeological reports have shown was built on Roman and Neolithic remains, would be relocated.

It added however that no proposals had yet been made for where it would move to.

'Historic site'

Resident Lesley Roberts said the market, founded in 1860, was "invaluable" to the town.

Market trader Bob Henderson said: "A development on the edge of town will kill the centre and local shops."

Another trader of 25 years, who wanted to remain anonymous, added: "It is a historic site - it has a charter - how can they move it":[]}