A petition with nearly 9,000 names on it has been given to the Mayor of London calling on him to save Shepherd’s Bush Market.

It was handed over by London Assembly Labour member Murad Qureshi and contains the names of people who are concerned for the future of the historic market as it battles against the planned redevelopment of the area.

Earlier this month traders took their fight against a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) issued against them to the Court of Appeal in what they are describing as a fight for heir livliehood.

Market traders are concerned that they are being pushed out by losing their tenants’ security and by having additional costs and liability put onto them.

In response, the Shepherd’s Bush Market Tenants’ Association started a petition calling on the Mayor to protect the long-standing, independent small traders on the market and ensure that their businesses are not compromised by the proposed redevelopment scheme, which includes new luxury flats.

Artist's impression of the new Shepherd's Bush Market

Mr Qureshi visited the market to collect the petition, which has been signed by 8,831 people, in order to deliver it to Boris Johnson at City Hall.

He said: “Street markets bring huge economic, social and cultural benefits to the capital but it seems that while some markets are thriving, others are under threat.

"I’ve been coming to Shepherd’s Bush Market since I can remember and have always enjoyed the diversity its stalls – I don’t think there’s anywhere else in London where you can buy three regional varieties of falafel on the same street.

“Sadly, after over 100 years of trading, the market is under threat. In selling the site to developers, TfL have disposed of an asset they see solely in economic terms without taking into consideration the lives of the communities served by the market.”

Traders went to court on March 3 to overturn the CPO granted by the government. They are objecting redevelopment plans by property developer Orion.

The judges are yet to return a verdict.