MARKET traders have attacked plans to regenerate Shepherd’s Bush Market, accusing the developer of being evasive and vague.

Developer Orion’s proposals to revamp the market and build nearly 200 luxury flats above it, have already attracted opposition from shopkeepers in Goldhawk Road, who say they would lose their historic premises and have to rent new space.

Now market stallholders have sent their concerns in a seven-page letter to Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, and to Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

The market’s tenants’ association says the development, approved by the council in February, and the proposed deal for the 139 existing traders, are against its members’ interests.

Chairman James Horada said: “The market businesses are longstanding, loyal and unique, however it has always been clear that these businesses are fragile and that a fair and sensible compensation plan is essential to cradle the businesses from disturbance and disruption during the regeneration period.

“The traders of Shepherd’s Bush Market have been patient and tolerant with Orion’s vague and evasive manner.

“It had been hoped that Orion would show promise.

“However it is now evident that Orion does not have the market traders’ best interests at heart and is unable to provide what is required and is hoped for.”

The association is angry at plans to remove the market canopy, at what they condemn as failure to consult traders over the design of stalls, a refusal to repair leaky arches under the Tube line running alongside the market, and a lack of detail on how £3.8million earmarked for market upgrades will be spent.

They also claim that a £500,000 fund, set aside by Orion to compensate traders for disruption during 18 months building work, will not apply to stallholders, who have a turnover of less than £500,000.

Mr Horada said: “Orion’s proposal for their business continuity fund is unrealistic, absurd and biased.

“Orion wishes to shadow the market with its neighbouring seven-floor residential construction and shape the market into a more conducive area to assist the sale of their luxury apartments.

"The problem with this is that there is a conflict of interests and it is at the cost and compromise of the market traders’ livelihoods.”

The Chronicle put the stallholders’ views to Orion but no-one was available to comment on them.