MARKET hall traders in Derby are to meet with regeneration bosses after objecting to proposals to redesign the layout of Osnabruck Square.

More than 50 traders signed a petition against the plans and options for the area, which they said would make it difficult for delivery lorries to get to the hall.

Now, Derby City Council and regeneration company Derby Cityscape have agreed to meet with traders to discuss issues.

The two options for the area of the Market Hall and Osnabruck Square were first suggested by Derby Cityscape in July, as part of its plans to transform streets and squares in the city.

The first option was to create an orangery next to Osnabruck Square to make an indoor area where people would be able to meet and relax.

The orangery, named after war hero Sir Peter Hilton, would also have cafes and perhaps some small stalls.

The second option was to build a glass atrium linking the Market Hall to a new office building on the junction of Albert Street and Osnabruck Square.

But both options would mean changing the road layout and access to the Market Hall for deliveries.

It would mean the closure of the existing road off the Morledge roundabout to a service area at the back of the hall.

Instead, a new access road would be created to the eastern edge of Quad which would go behind a new building to a smaller service area.

Traders said those changes would make deliveries difficult for large lorries and could affect how the hall is run.

Linda Aston, chairwoman of the Market Traders Committee, said: "Although we embrace improvements to the area, we consider ourselves an integral part of the Cathedral Quarter and any detrimental changes which would affect the smooth running of the hall must be addressed.

"We advised Cityscape of our concerns and were promised a full meeting of all traders.

"In the meantime, we put together a list of constructive questions.

"After a long delay Cityscape didn't answer our questions and the promised meetings had not been forthcoming."

In response, the committee started a petition which was signed by 51 traders, the majority of those in the hall.

Steve Usher, of Market News newsagents, said the objections were not to the general ideas for the orangery but of other improvements.

He said: "We think onwards and upwards is the right way in terms of improving this area but our concerns are the practical ones.

"My deliveries are mainly in smaller vans but there are other traders who need large lorries for deliveries of meat and they won't be able to get in under these plans."

Derby Cityscape said the plans were in their very early stages and that once more detailed designs were drawn up traders would be consulted again.

John Cadwallader, chief executive of Derby Cityscape, said: "We are going to meet with traders and look at the issues.

"We need to reassure them about the ability to access and service the Market Hall.

"Obviously, these are outline proposals and we would look to see where they could be adjusted if needed."

Derby City Council has not yet considered the proposals formally but has agreed to hold a meeting with traders and Cityscape to discuss the issues. A date has not yet been set.