THE reasons behind the absence of a monthly farmers' market at Bedale have finally been explained.

Hambleton District Council is trying to win back the market after its organisers pulled out when they found they were running at a loss, members of the cabinet will be told on Tuesday.

Operational services manager Mike Kneebone has prepared a report in which he asks members to review the position on farmers' markets at Northallerton, Thirsk and Bedale following consultations with town councils, chambers of trade, regular market traders, taxi drivers and Northern Dales Farmers' Markets.

Mr Kneebone reports that Northallerton farmers' market appears to be the healthier of the two remaining events, with attendance on the upturn and an increase in the planned number of stalls, though taxi drivers remain unhappy about their rank being temporarily moved.

Since the monthly market was first held on a new site north of the town hall a year ago, there have been ten events, each with an average of 20 stalls.

Mr Kneebone says: "The organisers are extremely pleased with the location and have described the market as thriving. They are looking to increase the number of stalls to around 25 during the summer months and say they now feel part of the main market.''

The new site meant that the taxi rank had to be switched to the other side of the street on farmers' market days. The Hambleton Association of Taxi Services has described the alternative position as inadequate and dangerous, with the possibility of a serious accident involving elderly or infirm people who have to cross two lanes of traffic.

The association adds that private cars often park in the designated area and two well-used disabled parking spaces have been lost.

Following consultations with the organisers, the town council and the chamber of trade, an attempt will be made to move the Thirsk event from its site east of the old post office to a new spot alongside the Hambleton-run market.

The move would release more parking spaces on market days but would be conditional on there being enough space to maintain the distinctive identity of the farmers' stalls.

It is being investigated because during the past six months attendance at Thirsk has fallen from 18 stalls at each farmers' market to an average of 11.

Earlier this year, town councillors at Bedale, where a Renaissance Market Towns programme has been launched, asked questions about the absence of a farmers' market at its site on the western side of the market place.

Mr Kneebone says: "Bedale has not enjoyed the success of the other two town markets, and during the run-up to Christmas could only manage an average of four stalls per market which overall ran at a loss.

"Additionally there was some friction with permanent stallholders who recognised that, with no increase in footprint relative to the increase in the number of stalls, there was less custom coming their way. The farmers ceased trading in December and are reluctant to return to trade at a loss.

"It is interesting to note that all agencies consulted in Bedale fully support the return of a farmers' market and would wish to see them on a more regular basis. 'It is still considered that there would be an economic benefit with the presence of the market. Discussions are continuing with Northern Dales Farmers' Markets, but to date they have not been persuaded to return.''

Mr Kneebone says the temporary suspension of Bedale will mean a reduction in revenue of £294 for the current financial year, but he expects this shortfall to be met by the improving performance at Northallerton.