TRADERS in Castle Place precinct have vowed to stand firm against any pressure to move out as new plans for a major retail and leisure complex remain in the melting pot.

Cathy Shord and Carl Coote, who run CBC Hardware and Gardening and Dories Flowers in the Trowbridge precinct have vowed to battle for the right to stay, even if future plans for a multi-million pound revamp come to fruition.

Castle Place Precinct and the former Tesco site in St Stephen's Place were snapped up by new owners Thiyan Investments last month.

Architect Chapman Taylor has been working on plans for a grand scheme linking the precinct to the former supermarket site, with shops and cafes included in early blueprints.

A three-store complex for the Tesco site was turned down last month but London-based architect John Evans said the project was part of a larger design, taking in the precinct.

Miss Shord said they would stand firm in the face of any corporate pressure after spending the last nine years in the precinct.

"We are not moving under any circumstances. We have no intention to move," she said.

"Our lease has years to run and we intend to see it through and then apply for more.

"Customers have given us fantastic support and don't want us to go.

"We are keen to see the Tesco site developed, though, as it is a complete eyesore."

Mr Coote said he wanted to make sure the developers did not drive out the small businesses to make way for the larger firms.

"When we have put our heart and soul into a business, we don't appreciate someone coming in and saying they want to alter everything.

"Where will all the small companies go if they start bringing in the big boys?

"At the end of the day anyone who buys property wants to make the most out of it."

The aging West Wiltshire District Council-owned multi-storey car-park could prove a stumbling block for the architects' grand scheme.

District council leaders have vowed not to part with the car park unless the same number of free spaces are provided as part of any project.

Any plan linking Castle Place to the former Tesco supermarket could also affect the former Peter Black site.