ANGRY Northwick residents demanded action from Worcester City Council back in March 1973 as a second open-air market opened on the car park of the Vogue Bingo and Social Club.

Cars and vans jammed Coombs Road and Fairbairn Avenue with police called to move parked vehicles causing an obstruction and to keep traffic flowing.

The market, organised by Spook Erection of Old Town, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, was made up of over 50 stalls under polythene roofs.

Traders sold china, glass, clothing and bedding.

Carloads of shoppers arrived as angry residents met to discuss action.

One Coombs Road householder claimed the stalls were put up during the night.

She was "forced to keep the landing curtains closed" because her window overlooks the market site.

Resident Elsie Bridgman said: "We had no warning this was going to happen."

Another, Mr W Clarke, said the market was a "terrific shock".

He said: "I live right opposite and knew nothing about it. We had a paper through the door about Spook Erection but I never thought this was what it would mean.

"It's terrible in this residential area. The council should be doing something about it now."

Alderman John Whitt, of the city council estates and properties committee - which banned open-air markets in Worcester the previous week - was "inundated" with complaints from Northwick residents.

He said: "Noise, the early start they made and the traffic congestion - people are complaining about everything.

"They had no approval from the city council yet they go ahead and hold this market for the first time in the Vogue car park.

"It is unfair competition for local traders who have to pay rates.

"The strongest possible action should be taken to stop them."

Managing director of Spook Erection, Nigel Maby, maintained the council could not ban open-air markets.

He said: "They were in existence long before the shopkeepers, according to history.

"I have heard nothing about a council ban and we shall continue trading.

"I have heard no complaints from local people."

Mr Maby said there was no noise or disturbance to residents when the stalls were built.

But he said the first day of business is "usually rather muddled".

He denied any connection with the market firm which has started trading twice-weekly on Worcester City Football Club ground.

Mr Maby said: "We shall stay here till we get permission from the city council. We have tried to get that for the last two years with no joy."

Mr D Barber, manager of the bingo club, said the market was arranged by his London headquarters Classic Cinemas Ltd.

He said: "I am only concerned with the hall. What happens in the car park is nothing to do with me."