A full-scale investigation has been launched by the Local Government Ombudsman into the redevelopment of Rawson Market.

Ombudsman Patricia Thomas is acting on claims by stallholders that Bradford Council is guilty of maladministration in its handling of the affair.

The inquiry is likely to be followed by compensation claims by the traders who say business has plummeted due to the move.

They also claim the Council has been deceitful after moving them out to a temporary market in March 1996 - when they expected to return to the main market last year.

The Council demolished three quarters of the main market more than 18 months ago, expecting to fund the redevelopment through the sale of Vicar Lane car park, which subsequently did not go through.

The traders say they were told by the Council when they moved out that there was funding.

The ombudsman has the power to recommend compensation.

John Parker, chairman of Rawson Market Tenants' Association, said today: "We are confident that we have got a case."

The Council says it is in talks with a company which could redevelop the market, or funding could be used from the impending sale of the Vicar Lane car park to millionaire Eddie Healey.

Mr Healey's company, the Stadium Group, wants to build a multi-million pound leisure complex on the land and is believed to have offered well above the £6 million asking price.

The stallholders are occupying the temporary market rent free following complaints to the Council that their business has been decimated because of the location. Eight stallholders have closed or moved their businesses elsewhere since the move.

Shopkeepers in nearby streets also say their trade has suffered through the market demolition and describe it as a massive eyesore in the main shopping area.

Today, Council leader Ian Greenwood said he did not want to comment while the investigation was taking place.

The stallholders say they could face another two-year wait for the redevelopment even if a new company signs up - but they had expected to be back trading in the main market by now.

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