MARKET traders in Worcester who feared for their livelihoods have been found a new solution - after council chiefs agreed to spread them across the city.

After your Worcester News revealed how the Angel Place traders faced being homeless during a £555,000 revamp of the site, an agreement has been struck to find them new locations.

More than 20 markets, many of whom have been in Worcester for years, will be based in Pump Street, Church Street, Bank Street and various spots along the bustling High Street from this Tuesday.

All but two traders have been found new locations, which came about after we highlighted their plight.

Yesterday afternoon the stallholders spoke of their relief over the decision, which means they can take advantage of the lucrative pre-Christmas period.

Most of them welcomed the news they had got new temporary homes, despite being split up.

Trader Glenys Patrick, who sells pot plants, said: "We're going outside TK Maxx in the High Street, which for us is a very good location so we're pleased.

"It's a shame we're not all together but it's a good outcome."

Fellow seller Jason Gisbourne, who sells pet food and is moving to outside Debenhams, said: "Will it be good for us? Nobody can say until next week.

"It takes years to build a business but weeks to destroy it. We'll have to wait and see."

Duncan Squires, 60, who runs Angel Flowers and is moving to the junction of Broad Street and the High Street, said: "We'd all like to have stayed but in the circumstances it's a good solution - we're glad they've found us something."

Among the two traders not to have found a new site was D&M Meats, which has been in Angel Place 25 years.

Mike Jacob, a partner at the business, said: "We suggested several possible locations to the council but were knocked back - we're having to make two lads redundant now because of this."

Angel Place market will shut next week for a 13-week revamp, and will re-open as a new look site from the start of December with extra stalls, new-look units and repaving.

Duncan Sharkey, city council managing director, said: "As with any operation on this scale, it has not been achieved without some disruption, and I would like to thank the Angel Place traders for their flexibility and understanding while the work is underway.

"We are very confident that in the long run, Worcester will benefit from a fresh approach to the market it offers to residents and visitors."