We don't want you here – that's the message from market shopkeepers to their council landlords who are looking for new headquarters.

It was also the message to the pigeons which frequent the market, as work got under way to deter them.

Last week a delegation of Dartmouth town councillors toured the central building in the Old Market which is being considered as a new council base if the sale of the Guildhall ever goes ahead.

But this week some traders with businesses in the market complex said the councillors would not be welcome.

Jan Henshall, who has run her jewellery business in the market for the last 17 years, warned that the town council would drive out businesses and end up like 'Big Brother' overseeing the tenants.

'I do not think it is the best place for them to go. Apart from the Big Brother aspect, I don't think it will increase the footfall.

'The market is just coming into its own after all the work the council has done on it and we need businesses in here.'

She said she had the backing of many of the other businesses in the market and this was confirmed by Dartmouth artist John Gillo – who would have to shift his framing operation if the council did decide to move in.

He warned: 'It will create a blank space in the market which should be a commercial centre for the town.

'That is what they have been trying to create and are succeeding and now they want to destroy that.

'If they move the offices here it will create a dead space.'

Mr Gillo, who also operates one of the new-look shops in the market, said that the council move could end up forcing him to think about 'giving up and retiring'.

He added: 'I just think it is the wrong function for a market.'

Rob Smith, who runs the Market Cafe with his wife Collette, said he too did not think a council move to the market was a 'good idea'.

He added: 'If they want to get rid of the Guildhall then that is all well and good but they would be taking businesses away from the market. They already have good offices next to the Guildhall.'

The town council took the decision earlier this year to apply for an outline planning permission to enable the council to dispose of their rambling old HQ building in Victoria Road which is costing thousands of pounds a year in upkeep.

Councillors have already had informal talks with estate agents about the possible uses the building could be put to – including the possibility that it could be converted into flats.

The council is currently looking at the possible options for its offices and council chamber if the Guildhall is sold.

And that includes the possibility of taking over part, or all, of the central building in the market place which currently houses the Chronicle office, Ms Henshall's jewellery business, Mr Gillo's framing operation and Dartmouth Holiday Homes.

Ms Henshall added: 'I would like to commend the town council for their courage in carrying out the work on the market. They took a big step in the dark when they did it but I think it is good.

'But I don't think it is the right place for the council offices,' she added.

But pet shop owner Linda Howard, who has also run a market business for many years, said: 'I believe in the council selling the Guildhall offices and then the councillors can move into the Guildhall and, with the proceeds of the sale, they can do the building up and then they won't need to come to the market.'