PLANS to amalgamate two Teesside markets look set to be given the go-ahead.

The Billingham Friday market is running on a trial basis in a bid to determine whether it can be viable.

It began with 20 stalls, but has now been reduced to ten with the majority selling fruit and vegetables.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's Markets Forum will meet to discuss the possibility of amalgamating the Billingham Friday market with its own Friday market.

A report to the council said: "The popularity of the Stockton Friday market has declined significantly over the last few months, although a recent reorganisation of the stall layouts has marginally reversed this decline.

"Traditionally, no fruit and vegetable stalls have been allowed to trade on Stockton Friday market and this has always affected its popularity."

Forum members are being asked to consider, as an alternative to the Billingham Friday market, an extension to the Stockton market to include food stalls.

A report to members said such a move would significantly improve the Stockton market.

It said: "However, the impact of this on the existing Stockton Wednesday and Saturday markets will need to be closely monitored."

Councillors are being asked to consider selling fruit and vegetables at the Stockton market for a trial period of four months, after which it will be reviewed again.