CAMPAIGNERS look set to win the day over the controversial siting of Northallerton's farmers' market.

A review now says the stalls could go after all to the north of the town hall - something protesters have been calling for since the markets started late last year.

Many people have been unhappy with stalls on the Applegarth car park, claiming the low profile away from the High Street was hitting trade.

Recently, one of the organisers of the market warned it could collapse unless stalls were allowed to trade in the town centre.

The prediction came in the wake of a move to get Hambleton Council cabinet to re-think the decision to have the monthly Friday market on the Applegarth.

This week, Alastair Davy, chief executive of Northern Dales Farmers' Markets, was overjoyed at the latest development. "This is very, very good news," he said.

The Mayor of Northallerton, Coun Jack Dobson, also welcomed the move, but said farmers should not now have to wait for the result of a six-month study into siting of the market.

The leader of regular Wednesday stallholders, however, wanted more details of the review before making a full statement. Paul Winn pointed out that on Wednesday morning, eight traders were turned away because there was no room on the traditional market.

When the review was presented to Northallerton Town Council, Coun Dobson said it was felt the farmers should be in the High Street on a Wednesday with the traditional market.

Hambleton council operational services manager, Mike Kneebone, said the town's market charter would eventually allow for this. It was reckoned that if no vehicles were used, stalls would fit in the area north of the town hall normally used for taxis and private parking.

Coun David Blades, who is on the review team, said up to 20 stalls could be sited once the area was closed to traffic and taxis moved.

Said Mr Davy: "It would seem they can now do this. It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point and we will be happy to be where we are more visible. We will be competing on a level playing field with the rest of the traders. It is all I could have asked for."

He had previously contrasted a failing situation in Northallerton with a booming market in Stokesley. "Once the people of Northallerton see us and the standard of our produce, they might give it a go."

No timetable has been set for the switch of sites. "But the sooner the better for us," said Mr Davy.

Coun Blades said the move could take up to six months.

"I can only applaud this decision," said Coun Dobson, "along with the persistence of the farmers and others who have been trying to give local people what they want, a farmers' market in the town centre."

Mr Winn, chairman of Hambleton and Dales branch of the National Market Traders' Federation, said his members had been seeking extra space in Northallerton for some time.

"We have always supported the farmers, but we will never do that to the detriment of our own traders," he said. "Especially when we are turning people away.