HIGH-profile backers of Birmingham’s under-threat wholesale markets joined forces to rally support for the Pershore Street site.

Celebrity chef Glynn Purnell welcomed Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood (Lab) to his city centre restaurant The Asquith.

The MP, who has thrown her support behind a joint campaign by market traders and the Birmingham Mail to support the market, handed out petitions and stickers at the Newhall Street restaurant and other city centre eateries.

Following the collapse of an £80 million relocation deal with Birmingham City Council and now defunct Advantage West Midlands, market traders fear their livelihoods could be at risk.

And despite assurances from the council another site and alternative investors will be sought, the authority will not provide financial backing to any move.

Ms Mahmood joined the campaign last month vowing to fight to see the markets survival.