STALLHOLDERS in a North Yorkshire town have complained about a rival indoor market.

Northallerton Town Council allows traders to sell certain goods in the town hall on Wednesdays and Saturdays, both traditional market days.

However, some market traders on the High Street have objected. They are questioning whether the historic market charter, signed during the reign of James I, is being obeyed.

Stallholder Paul Winn, chairman of the National Market Traders' Federation for Hambleton and Dales, said: "The traders were selling a few years ago, and Hambleton District Council asked them to stop, which they did, but they seem to have started again."

However, Eric Kendal, from Hambleton District Council, said: "Where there is no detriment to the council we cannot invoke that clause of the charter."