TV chef joins fight to save farmers' market

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The weekly market in Moxon Street car park, Marylebone, is threatened by a plan to build an adult education centre on the site.

About 30 stalls sellmeat, fish, fruit and vegetables there and the traders are praised regularly by Mr Slater in his recipe column for a Sunday newspaper.

The chef told the Evening Standard he backed campaigns to protect independent traders. "I would be devastated if the market was to close. It would be a step backwards for London," he said. "I think of it as the heart and soul of Marylebone." The market is also used by author and local resident Frances Lynn, 48, who said it would be a tragedy if it disappeared. "I've got to know several pensioners who depend on this market, not only for their food but for their social life," she said.

Marylebone resident and Liberal Democrat campaigner Stuart Bonar has set up an online petition. He said: "The location, near the great shops in Marylebone High Street and particularly Moxon Street itself, is perfect. People come in from all over to shop there. That brings in business to the high street."

Westminster council has started a sixweek-consultation over the education centre plan. Alastair Moss, planning committee chairman, said: "We appreciate the market is of great local importance and have made it clear we expect it to continue, either on the existing site or nearby in Marylebone."

Yesterday, Mayor Boris Johnson urged Haringey council to refuse permission for a development that would close the 60 stalls at Pueblito Paisa market in Seven Sisters. Councillors will decide on the proposal, by developer Grainger, tonight.

For information on the Marylebone petition, see www.campaigns.libdems. org.uk/farmersmarket.