COUNCILLORS are being urged to pledge their continued support for farmers markets.

Hambleton District Council's cabinet meeting on Thursday will be told the new location, in Northallerton, has proved popular, attracting up to 20 stalls every month to the area adjacent to the town hall.

Officers said, after the first event, there were complaints about the relocation of the taxi rank and the loss of disabled parking spaces when the market was moved from the Applegarth.

However, a report said the taxi rank was better organised for the second market and there had been no complaints from members of the public.

The move by Thirsk farmers' market, to a site near the old post office, was also said to have been beneficial - although councillors at Thursday's meeting will be told that the number of traders needed to be closely monitored.

Meanwhile, Bedale's mon-thly market is also said to have attracted extra shoppers to the town.

Officers estimate that farmers' markets will net the district council about £3,000 by the end of the year.

Nevertheless, councillors will be asked to sanction a three per cent increase in the cost of taking a market stall for all traders using Hambleton's facilities.