Heating and improved cover from the wind and rain could be installed on New Watford Market’s food court following talks between traders and council chiefs.

A petition was presented to Watford Borough Council by trader Jason Lee, who said shoppers are put off from eating in the cold first-floor food court because they are battered by wind, rain and fumes.

He told councillors on Wednesday night: "It’s a unique place with amazing food, full of the hustle and bustle of a successful market.

"Unfortunately, due to its location and design, it’s liable to the weather and the noise and the fumes from the busy road.

"It’s not a pleasant experience - it’s very cold, it’s miserable and it has resulted in a loss of business for traders.

"The building is not fit for purpose and a lot of people feel very let down, as the artist impression suggested it would be fully covered.

"So - is the new market a work in progress or a broken promise? Right this wrong and build a lasting legacy that people are proud of."

It sparked a debate in the Council Chamber about the suitability of the £2m market - with Labour and Conservative councillors accusing the Liberal Democrats of poor decision making and planning.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and Councillor Iain Sharpe said the new-look shipping container-inspired market was always going to be a divisive subject between traditionalists and younger shoppers.

But Cllr Sharpe said talks between the council and operators Town and Country Markets had already begun about adding heating and improved protection from the elements in the food court area.

He said: "The food court was always designed to be open but in conjunction with the market operator we are looking at heating the space with infra-red heating."

The council followed up in a statement to the WO: "Both the council and Town & Country Markets are in regular contact with the traders, and prior to the petition being submitted, had arranged meetings to discuss the points raised last night.

"The petition asks for heaters and protection from the elements in the upstairs food court- heaters are due to be ordered, and options for reducing the noise and wind are currently being explored."