FARMERS keen to switch monthly market sites in Northallerton will have to wait until June for the move.

This information was revealed at Tuesday's meeting of Hambleton District Council in response to a question from local farmer Coun Bert Langthorne.

The move will see the resolving of a long-running controversy surrounding the markets.

The stalls were put on the Applegarth as the scheme was launched late last year, but from the outset it was clear that many people were unhappy with the arrangements.

Local councillors campaigned for a move to the High Street, alongside the traditional Wednesday market.

And just a few weeks ago, one of the market organisers warned that unless the move was made, the whole project in Northallerton could collapse as the less prominent Applegarth siting was said to be hitting the farmers' trade.

In response, Hambleton council set up a study of the situation and a recent report pulled no punches in recommending the High Street as the best place for the farm stalls.

This week, Coun Langthorne said uncertainty over the date of the move was hitting promotion of the market.

"We can't put the date on posters and many people are asking what is going on," he said. "It needs to be cleared up as to what is happening."

Coun June Imeson, council leader at the time, said the May market would be on the 16th, the third Friday in the month as normal.

"The move has been delayed due to the traffic order which will be necessary, so the farmers' market will be moving in June," she said.

"I hope it will be a success."