Campaigners in the Fair Lane Objectors Group (Flog) are to set out their argument for not closing the street, which runs through the former mart site, at an Assembly-held public inquiry on August 7 and 8.

Developer Simons wants to build over the road, following the approval of the £50 million retail project which will include Debenhams and a cinema complex.

Campaigners claim the road is a vital link to people living north of the site.

Planning permission for the scheme was granted in July last year. Construction was due to start this summer but has been put back due to the inquiry.

A Simons spokesman said: "It is a legal requirement that people living locally are notified of our intentions, and in mid-January the planned closure was widely advertised in the immediate area, as well as in local press.

"As a result of this process, some concerns about the closure of Fair Lane were brought to our attention. However, we are pleased that many of these have now been withdrawn. We have been able to reassure people firstly, that the development will open up additional and improved pedestrian links within the town, and secondly, that statutory services - gas mains, electricity cables and telecom infrastructure - can be diverted."

The development is predicted to create around 300 jobs and provide much-needed leisure facilities.