Traders at Bradford's Oastler Shopping Centre are stepping up their effort to get it known as a 'market' again.

Bradford Council has refused their request for the 'Oastler Centre' name adopted four years ago to be dropped and replaced by its former name of 'John Street Market'.

The struggling stallholders say a re-launch with a new name is just the boost they need.

They believe many visitors arrive expecting a traditional retail centre with High Street-style shops but leave without buying anything when they discover it features market stalls.

But in rejecting their request, the Council has told the stallholders that there would be no commercial benefits in changing the name. The stall holders have replied asking the Council to conduct its own poll of the businesses.

Market tenant Mick Egan and fellow traders say in a letter to the Council: "Business within the centre is very poor and what you quote as footfall figures of 100,000 in one week are exactly that - visitors.

"We offer a variety of quality fresh produce and fancy goods, clothing and electrical goods at low prices which fits the bill for a market place - and we feel that the name should reflect this."

The centre, which contains 150 traders, was renamed four years ago after a £4.5 million facelift.

The Telegraph & Argus teamed up with the Council to run a competition inviting readers to rename the market after the improvements. The winner, Eleanor Higgins, 66, named the complex after Richard Oastler who fought for 20 years for the Ten Hours Bill which reformed factory conditions. A statue commemorating his life stands in nearby Rawson Square.

Mary Frame, executive member of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said healthy trading was essential to keep the market end of the city vibrant during and after the development of the £300 million Broadway shopping scheme. She said: "I think the Council should listen to the views of the tenants and look very closely at what they have to say."

But a Bradford Council spokesman said: "It is a very successful, busy market but there is no intention of changing its name at the moment. We will consider their views but are confident we have a successful shopping centre here which is used by a lot of people.

"We know market traders who are very happy."