TRADE at a struggling market is being hit by competition from nearby shopping centres, councillors have been told.
Hambleton District Council is looking at ways to improve the Tuesday market in Bedale amid concerns over its future.
A council committee that was asked to investigate the problem found that shopping centres were taking away business.
The district council is considering asking Bedale Town Council to take over the running of the market.
A farmers' market pulled out of Bedale a year ago with organisers blaming a lack of business, dangerous access to the site, conflict with parked cars and friction with existing stallholders.
Bedale Market celebrated its 750th anniversary, in 2001.
The news comes after concerns were raised about the impact of an extension to the Tesco supermarket at Catterick Garrison on shop trade in Richmond.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article