THE sale of replica guns and fireworks could soon be banned at Darlington's outdoor market after council bosses drew up new regulations.

The fresh set of rules has been produced by Darlington Borough Council and will be discussed by the authority's cabinet next week.

Councillors are being urged to approve the regulations, which would include a ban on the sale of ornamental weapons, replica guns, fireworks or anything else that officers consider to be a risk to public safety.

Anything sold at the market would also have to comply with minimum age requirements and anything which contravenes trading standards controls, such as fake goods, would be banned.

The new controls include a section on the behaviour of traders and their employees, and stress that the council's market officer can remove people who are causing a nuisance.

Other restrictions include a ban on traders encouraging the public to congregate around their stalls, causing an obstruction or using loud music to attract shoppers.

For the first time, the regulations also state that anyone manoeuvring a vehicle around the market must have the necessary insurance and driver qualifications, even if they are not driving on the road.

Stephen Harker, cabinet member for consumer services, said: "We will be looking at these new regulations, which give the council the control to make the market a safer place for traders and members of the public."