MOVES to revive a farmers' market in Bedale could be fast-tracked.

A watchdog committee of councillors is to consider what can be done to bring the farmers' stalls back to the town.

But at a meeting of Hambleton Council's cabinet on Tuesday, one member warned: "Something must be done quickly."

Coun Ralph Andrew said the farmers would not return to Bedale under the previous set-up.

"But they might look at it again at a different time and venue," he said.

Councillors were told that Bedale farmers' market folded in December because it was trading at a loss.

Operational services manager Mike Kneebone said there had been friction with permanent stallholders who claimed there was less custom coming their way.

But he said consultation had revealed that most people wanted the farmers back.

As part of a general review of farmers' markets in the district, the cabinet agreed to let an overview and scrutiny committee look at the Bedale situation, along with problems with taxis when farmers have stalls in Northallerton.

Taxi drivers have complained to the council about their rank being switched to the other side of High Street on market days. Cabbies say the alternative site is inadequate and dangerous and that other cars park in their spaces.

Otherwise, members heard, Northallerton farmers' market was doing well with attendances on the up and more stalls planned for the future. Since the monthly markets were first held a year ago, the number of stalls had averaged 20 per session.

Northallerton councillor John Coulson said the taxi rank needed to be better signposted to avoid people using those spaces to park.

He added: "I am disappointed nothing has been done on this even though it has been raised by the operators.

"But I am pleased to see the farmers' market expanding. I thought it would. It is a real success story in Northallerton."

Coun David Blades said: "We have to keep a demarcation line between the farmers' and traditional markets. They cannot be integrated."

Suggesting a fast-track approach, Coun John Fletcher said the Bedale market had been "teetering" for some time.

"I would have thought a farmers' market would boost it up and I am sad to find this is not the case. I would back any moves to get the market thriving again and welcome any dialogue with the organisers to try to achieve this."

Coun Andrew said: "There has to be a new look at Bedale - operating at night, at weekends or linked to other events. It must attract volume and quickly. We need action."

Coun Coulson said: "The reason the market has gone the way it has is because of the car boot sale which attracts crowds every time."

The cabinet agreed that farmers' markets in Northallerton and Thirsk would continue.

In Thirsk - where the number of farmers' stalls has fallen slightly - the Monday sessions will be moved to stands alongside the traditional market.

This is aimed at releasing more parking spaces on market day, which is what has been called for by Thirsk Town Council and the local chamber of commerce.