COUNCIL chiefs are trying to allay traders' fears over the introduction of Darlington's first farmers' market.

Darlington Borough Council is to hold the first market on Friday, October 20, and two others in November and December.

If these pilot markets, which will take place in the Market Square, are successful, they could become a regular event.

But, some market traders in the town fear they will lose business to a farmers' market if it is held on a regular basis.

David Jackson, of Jackson's Butchers, Covered Market, believes local traders are being put at an unfair disadvantage.

"They will be able to get a stall for just £18 on the busiest day of the week, when I have to pay £321 a week, plus rates," he said.

"We are not being put on a level playing field, because the farmers' market will allow people to come in and cherry pick business on the best day of the week."

The council has still to draw up the final details for the market, but it has been consulting with traders in an effort to ease any concerns.

The farmers' market will be monitored by council staff and stall-holders will only be allowed to sell what they produce.

Markets manager Peter Wilson has written to all traders, pointing out that neighbouring towns like Barnard Castle and Northallerton already hold such events, and that Darlington could be losing out.

Studies show that where local authorities operate markets, 70 per cent show an increase in trade.

Mr Wilson said: "We need to look after the public in Darlington, and do not want them to go to other markets.

"Some traders have raised concerns, but we want the farmers' market to operate in tandem with the other markets, and believe it will bring income into the town."

Robin Blair, vice-chairman of the Darlington Market Retail Stallholders Association, said: "There are some concerns, particularly among the butchers, but these markets are being held all over the country, and I think it will better for us to have one than somewhere else."