Market traders are close to reaching a compromise with the council in their fight to save their stalls.

The street sellers have handed in a 1,200-signature petition to try and ensure pitches are retained when works to a new public square get underway at Barking Market in East Street later this year.

Market management firm Charfleets has voiced concerns that proposals which are due to be put forward by Barking and Dagenham Council could lead to the closure of dozens of stalls.

But the council has said it is consulting with all concerned parties to get their opinions before any designs for the area are submitted.

Barking Market manager John Walsh, 51, said: “Hopefully we will find a reasonable compromise, a decent solution for everybody.

“We’re almost there. There still needs a few things to be ironed out. The council are clearly listening to us and our concerns.”

Traders presented the petition at Barking Town Hall on the Town Square on March 8.