STALLS in Derby's Eagle Market could be grouped closer together to make it look busier and attract more trade.

It is one of the options Derby City Council is considering in efforts to improve dwindling trade.

The authority is currently drawing up plans for the future of the city's markets.

Councillor Chris Poulter, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "The Eagle Market is a large market area and there are parts becoming unoccupied.

"There is an option there to consolidate the traders that are there into a smaller space because if the market looks fuller it is better than lots of empty space. Traders could be arranged around main thoroughfares."

He said some traders may not want to move as customers were used to their location and that any work would only be done in conjunction with the market associations.

Derek Harding is the manager of Mobile Repair and Unlock Specialists, which has a stall in the Eagle Market.

He said: "We have heard of this option and I can see why it could be a good idea but the problem is there may be a drop in trade initially because customers get used to where you are, so while they got used to a new location there could be an impact."

Mr Poulter, former president of the National Association of British Market Authorities, said Derby, like other cities, had seen indoor markets near shopping centres like Westfield struggle.

"It seems nationally there is a trend which is seeing indoor markets which are close to a major retail offer are suffering more than weekly outdoor markets."

But the Market Hall is also suffering. Just 63% of its floor space is occupied, compared to 71.6% in the Eagle Market, leading to speculation about whether it could close or traders moved to the Eagle Market.

The council said that speculation was premature.

It is currently putting together a strategy looking at four of its markets, which include the Market Hall, the Eagle Market and a wholesale market and cattle market on the West Meadows Trading Estate. Allenton Market is to be revamped in conjunction with Tesco as part of a proposed development.

The other four markets are part of the review which will look at occupancy, footfall, income and usage.

Richard Williams, director of regeneration, said the two city centre markets had attracted a lot of attention.

He said: "Both markets have a lower occupancy than in previous years but the council's project team is looking at urgent steps that can be undertaken to attract more footfall and to let more stalls.

"In the longer term, the project team looking at all four markets is charged with producing a strategy for sustainable markets.

"This is being prepared in conjunction with the chairs of the two retail market traders' associations, and the work will be completed by the end of March 2012.

"Recent speculation that one of the two retail markets will close is premature, although the council does recognise that there is a need to find new stall-holders to fill the vacant stalls and create opportunities for niche market traders."