A CONTROVERSIAL farmers' market looks certain to become an established event - despite objections from High Street stallholders.

Traders at Northallerton's weekly town centre markets fear they will lose business to a farmers' market if it is held on a regular basis.

The Cledale Farmers' Group has held a series of markets at Sam Turner's, on the outskirts of the town, and Hambleton District Council is expected to make them official by granting planning permission.

A maximum of 14 markets will be held over a 12-month period, taking place only on Sundays or bank holidays, with no more than 20 stalls at one time.

Hambleton planning director Steve Quartermain said the small number of stalls and the infrequent staging of the market was not expected to affect town centre business.

He said: "It is difficult to establish whether the farmers' market could seriously affect the vitality and viability of the main markets and town centre in general."

He said that operating the markets at weekends and on bank holidays was unlikely to cause traffic problems.

Traders on Northallerton's Wednesday and Saturday markets have protested. Objections have been sent in by 78 traders and customers, stating: "Market traders are finding it hard enough to make a living while meeting all the rules and regulations laid down by Government.

"A market allowed to stand outside the High Street will prove to be no gain to local trade and will only line the pockets of a few. This few will not support the local economy."

Paul Winn, chairman of the Hambleton branch of the National Market Traders' Federation, said the farmers' market should be integrated into the existing market