A FACT-finding campaign has been launched to resolve the issue of the future of an ancient Monday market.

Pickering town councillors are backing moves by Ryedale District Council to switch the centuries-old market from its historic site in the Market Place to the Ropery car park to reduce congestion in the town centre.

But the move has been opposed by market traders who say it will damage their businesses.

Now, members of the town council have drawn up questionnaires which are to be distributed to householders seeking their views.

Town clerk Andrew Husband said: “It is felt there is a case for moving the market because it will open the Market Place to traffic on Mondays and lead to more space for residents, tourists and shopper to see not only the goods on sale at the market stalls in they are in the Ropery, but also benefit the established shops. We need to smarten up the market.”

Ryedale’s market officer Steph Medcalf said: “The survey has the sole objective of finding out what the preferred location of the market is, from residents, businesses and traders.”