ANGRY families are preparing to fight plans to transform London’s famous Spitalfields Market into an entertainment venue.The Market Residents group is objecting to a nightly 11.30pm licence being sought by Ballymore Properties for live music with an audience capacity of 2,200

ANGRY families are preparing to fight plans to transform London's famous Spitalfields Market into an entertainment venue.

The late-Victorian building started life Behind Bishopsgate on the City Fringe as a fruit and veg market.

But more recently it has been the venue for punters keen to pick up antiques, records and fashion.

Now Ballymore Properties which owns Spitz Market wants to turn it into an entertainment venue with an audience capacity of 2,200.

But Spitalfields Market Residents Group's chairman Mike Myers said: "We are talking about noise and shouting and slamming doors.

"Can you get people out in two minutes at the end of the evening?

"There will be issues with parking cars, so residents won't be able to park."

Many living close to the market have been there for years, including one who has been a resident there 80 years.

The company, which is applying for a nightly 11.30pm licence from Tower Hamlets council, was unavailable for comment.