TRADERS in Darlington's covered market say they have been sold down the river by council plans to bring farm products into the town square today.

Mr Alan Milburn, the town's MP, will launch the first farmers' market with 23 stalls selling beef, pork, free range eggs and chicken, rare breed meats, organic vegetables, cakes, bread and pies and craft goods.

Mr Charles Smith, chairman of Darlington retail market stallholders' association complained of lack of consultation by council officials.

Originally, he was told the pilot scheme would be held on quiet days - perhaps a Thursday - as an added attraction to the town.

"We are annoyed. The members here say they have been sold down the river. The authority as our landlord came along and said the market was going to be there.

"They said they would ask our views, but there is no doubt they had made up their minds."

Mr Smith said traders had already endured the disruption of the clock tower refurbishment, which some butchers claimed had almost halved their weekly takings.

The work is due to finish before Christmas, which was seen as an opportunity to make up their losses.

"Now we have been told there will be a farmers' market just before Christmas. We see it clearly as a kick in the teeth for us."

To add salt to the wounds, farmers would be charged only £18 per stall and it is alleged that the food on sale would not be subject to the same strict standards demanded of indoor traders.

The association has asked Mr Milburn, who is also Health Secretary, to meet a delegation of its members.

Mr Peter Wilson, markets manager, said it was now being made clear to farmers that they would not be allowed to take Christmas orders.

About 200 special markets elsewhere had proved they could attract extra shoppers and if Darlington did not try a pilot scheme, people might go elsewhere.

"It is not just the covered market that can call the shots. This is being run for the benefit of the town and its shoppers and it is a balancing act."

But Mr Smith argued: "He does not seem to recognise that the majority of the 42 traders and their 536 employees are also residents when he says that it is for the benefit of all.