A TOTAL of 30 Cinderford traders are opposing plans to convert an empty shop into a flat on the Triangle.

Local business leaders are concerned that that Quedgeley-based Melt Homes’ plans to convert the former charity shop at 23 Market Street would hurt trade in the town.

Kayla Haile, chairman of Cinderford Traders United, said: “The shop is in such a prominent position on the Triangle.

If it were lost it would greatly affect all surrounding business premises.

“We feel that the whole of the Triangle must be given protection to keep all the buildings as commercial premises.

“We need more shops and at present there are no empty ones in Cinderford.

“In fact, some of us would like to expand into larger premises, but none are available.”

Mayor Max Coborn also believes it is ‘vital’ for Cinderford for town centre shops to remain as commercial premises and says that a downstairs flat would not be good for business.

He added: “There’s a shortage of good empty shop premises in the town.

“But if developers start converting shops into flats, Cinderford will be a ghost town before long.

“We need to fight for every shop to stay open because once the footfall starts to drop it has a knock on effect for the other traders.”