THE monthly farmers' market in Thirsk's Market Place is "organised chaos" it was claimed this week.

Thirsk Chamber of Trade was discussing problems caused by the market.

Though the members support the idea of a farmers' market, they do not agree with it being held on the opposite side of Market Place to the usual market and taking up extra parking spaces which are at a premium.

"The market started off with 20 stalls, lately it has been down to about five, and cars and vans are parked all over the place, some by members of the public between the stalls, which vary in size and are erected anywhere," said Coun Andrew Robinson.

The chamber asked for the market to be sited with the regular market when it was launched 12 months ago. But Hambleton District Council said it would be unsafe on highway grounds to have both on one side of the square.

"Since the stalls have depleted, we have been told that a move to the other side as requested might be granted, but only temporarily", said chairman Don Moore.

"The whole situation needs careful monitoring. While it is recognised that the market can enhance the town, it must be controlled to minimise parking problems which has been a long-term problem in the town. If the road safety calming measures proposed by North Yorkshire County Council go ahead, we may even lose some of the car parking on the other side too, " he added.

It was agreed to write to Steve Quartermain, development control director of Hambleton District Council asking for the latest developments for future farmers' markets.