Protesters opposing any plans to move Carmarthen's indoor market have handed a petition signed by more than 35,000 people into a full council meeting.

Around 60 traders attended the demonstration outside County Hall on Wednesday and vowed to fight attempts to relocate them.

We are not against development or change - sensible sensitive development means not throwing the baby out with the bath water Canon Patrick Thomas

Carmarthenshire Council wants to develop the former cattle mart site in the centre of Carmarthen.

One option could include moving the nearby provisions market to make way for a department store.

Addressing the meeting on behalf of the campaigners, the vicar of Carmarthen Canon Patrick Thomas, said there was widespread opposition to any plans to relocate the market.

"Carmarthen is the oldest town in Wales and it has always been a market town,'' he said.

"It is one of the most vital elements making Carmarthen special and different.

"We are not against development or change - sensible sensitive development means not throwing the baby out with the bath water," he added.

Strength of feeling

Chairwoman of the Carmarthen Market Liaison Committee Liz Bellamy said the petition showed the strength of feeling in the town.

"The strength of our case is reflected in this petition which has received tremendous support from all over the world," she said.

"We hope the council will see sense and step back from destroying Carmarthen's crown jewel - a market that has been at the heart of this town for over 800 years."

Canon Patrick Thomas addressed the council meeting

Dave Gilbert, the council's director of regeneration, said the authority was at a very early stage in looking at how best to develop the mart site.

He said there were no plans at present to move the indoor market.

"It is very premature and inappropriate to be bringing petitions at this point, as there is nothing definite to report and no decisions have been taken behind closed doors,'' he said.

"We recognise that the market is an important part of the retail offering in Carmarthen.

"Any proposal for a development would seek to complement and add value to that,'' he added.