SHOPPERS mobbed an exhibition stand set up to test public reaction to the planned revamp of Salisbury’s Market Place at the weekend.

Some shouted abuse and heckled city clerk Reg Williams and Salisbury Vision chief Richard Walters, who were manning the stand on Saturday morning.

So many wanted to fill in a questionnaire that the team ran out of copies at one point.

The refurbishment plans, which could cost £3million, include closing the underground toilets and putting in two ‘pod’ toilets instead, replacing all the trees, installing a water feature and realigning the war memorial.

Mr Williams said: “We certainly did get some diverse views. Some people were fundamentally opposed, and others were very, very pro. Some wanted certain aspects of the scheme changed. It will take a little while to fully evaluate.”

The consultation stand closed at Saturday lunchtime. Stallholder and city councillor Ian Tomes said: “I think they were cheesed off with the grief they were getting.”

Advance publicity had said that it would be open on Friday and Saturday.

But one shopper complained to the Journal that it was also closed on Friday morning.

He had to go back to collect a questionnaire on Saturday morning, but when he tried to return it in the afternoon the stand was shut again.

Market trader Dan Rimer criticised the questionnaire as complicated and full of leading questions.

Mr Rimer, of Wilton Wholefoods, said: “There was no easy way for customers to say ‘Keep the market as it is’.”

Traders’ representatives are meeting Mr Walters and Wiltshire Council Cabinet member John Brady tomorrow for what Mr Tomes called “a frank discussion”.

· An exhibition of the Market Place plans is at the city library until Saturday, and people can also leave their comments there.