Workers from the Aberdeen promenade wholesale seafood market have called off their threatened strike after reaching an agreement with the Government today.

Speaking after meeting the wholesalers, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Cheung Man-kwong said the meeting was constructive, adding that they have now agreed to the Government's takeover of the market.

According to the agreement, the Government will:

* fix the number of market stalls to the present level;

* set up a management committee comprising Government officials and representatives of the wholesalers;

* build a security fence along the market; and,

* allow lorries loading fish into the market without charge.

Mr Cheung said requests for lower rents have not been agreed to by the Government and the issue will be discussed next week. He said existing rent proposals are reasonable.

Noting hygienic conditions at the market have improved, Mr Cheung said this showed wholesalers will work to keep their stocks safe for consumption.