A woman has launched a petition to try and preserve the multi-cultural market she says gave her a “sense of belonging”.

Mica Morera, who owns translation service Latin Corner, has launched an online petition to try and stop the market at Wards Corner, Tottenham, from being relocated.

Haringey Borough Council planning permission to Grainger PLC to build 196 new homes and shops on the site three years ago.

But the Wards Corner Coalition (WCC) a group dedicated to stopping the plans, has proposed an alternative where the market building would be renovated instead.

Ms Morera’s petition was launched two weeks ago and has been signed by 671 people.

Ms Morera, who’s mother was Peruvian, said: “It’s like a mecca for Latin American people. People come from all over the world and visit the market.

“The council keep saying the area should be a gateway for Tottenham. Our argument is that if we are to be a gateway for Tottenham it should reflect the diversity of the area.

“I see us as quite like Camden market really- quite quirky, unique, unusual. The market has evolved naturally over the years from the community, and you can’t just recreate it. We have created something special here- why destroy it so we can build an architectural building that looks like somewhere else in London?

“It’s in the most ethnically diverse postcode in the country.

“In a way the market helps a lot of young people have a sense of identity, a sense of belonging. The reason I feel so strongly about it, is because that’s what it has given me.”

The market, above Seven Sisters tube station, sits in a former department store building and has been part of on-going disputes between the WCC and Harigney Council.

In 2012 the WCC lost their legal fight to challenge the council’s regeneration plans in the Royal Courts of Justice.

Under current plans the community would still have a market site, but the building where it is Ms Morera added: “I am hoping for the council to not relocate us, for them to see the benefit and importance of us as a tourist attraction for Tottenham.”

In a statement, Haringey Borough Council said: “These landmark plans for Wards Corner, together with the transformation of neighbouring Apex House, will see more than £100million of investment in Seven Sisters, providing hundreds of new homes and jobs.

“We know how important it is that existing market traders benefit from these improvements, which is why Grainger will offer them all the option of a new permanent space in the new development at a discounted rent – as well as dedicated help and support.

“The ambition and confidence being shown in Seven Sisters underlines its future as the gateway to Tottenham, and we’re determined to continue to support that.”