Traders in Greenwich are divided on the future of their iconic market.

The charity which owns Greenwich Market has released the latest design proposals from Hopkins Architects and is also running a public consultation asking for people's ideas for the market as well as suggestions for an alternative site when the two-year building programme begins.

Under plans for the 300-year-old market, the buildings surrounding it could be replaced with modern ones, including a hotel.

But traders at the Thursday Antiques, collectables, arts and crafts market have given the proposals a mixed reception.

Frank Baird, who has run a collectables stall at the market for 10 years, says he cannot see the plans working.

He said: “It’s an absolute load of drivel.

“They’re going to demolish all this lot and build a hotel but who on earth do they imagine has got enough money to do it? It’ll never happen.”

And he is also concerned about where the stalls will be relocated once work starts.

He said: “We don’t want to go out in the open. But where else is there a covered area that will take all this?”

And he added: “Trade is terrible - absolutely awful. Over the last three months it’s got worse and worse and worse.”

Stallholder John Clifford said: “I was running about in this market when there were bombs dropping on it.

“The plans mean it won’t be the same. Will the antiques side go out of it?

“It will cost a lot of money to build so they’ll have to increase the tender.”

The charity is due to hold to a public exhibition next Spring when it submits its planning application.

In the meantime it is holding meetings with stall holders and Judith Townsend, who runs the Dress Circle vintage clothing shop in the market building, says this is the way for traders to make their voices heard.

She said: “I’m sure there are lots of people who’ll be very angry about it but I don’t see how you can stop change.

“Your best bet is to go to the meetings.

“I don’t think in general it will mean anything for any of the shops because I think if you’re a viable business they’ll renew your lease.”

Linda Tiley, who has run a stall at the market for three months, said: “It’s slower than I would like. But there are people walking around who are interested in what you’re doing.

“I don’t know a lot about the plans but this market has a lively community feel about it - people are really friendly and encouraging.”

A spokesman for Greenwich Hospital stressed there would be no redevelopment until a temporary home was found for traders.

And he added: “We’ll have a full range of units across the board.

“There is no intention to put rates up and there never has been.”

For more information on the redevelopment visit greenwichmarketconsulation.org.uk