A COUNCIL is going to the people to see if they should take a major step and restart popular car boot sales which have raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Relaxed government guidelines allowed outdoor markets to reopen from June 1 and Bedale Town Council decided they should consider whether and when to reopen the Saturday car boot sale in the town’s historic park.

The sales have become hugely successful in attracting visitors and raising cash for local charities which take turns helping to run the events. Because it is a big issue which will affect the town they’re asking people to tell them what they think.

Councillor Andrew Hallett, Mayor of Bedale said: “The guidelines allowed the return of outdoor markets, and our Tuesday Charter Market is back up and running in full.

"However the car boot sales attract sellers and buyers from a wide radius. We want to make sure the park and town are able to accommodate these numbers without becoming overwhelmed as several North Yorkshire visitor sites have been.

"Any decision to re-open will take into account the safety of all concerned, irrespective of any loss of income.

“With the gates staffed by volunteers from local charities working alongside designated contractors, we do not wish to re-open until we know the beneficiary charities are willing and able to provide staff. There is also the problem that the Bedale Park toilets are being renovated in June.

The sales help put Bedale on the map, but the town council exists to represent Bedale residents. The Council will continue to consider the concerns of townspeople before making any decision to restart the car boot sales.”

The council meets on Monday June 8 through an internet zoom which residents can log into.

They say that car boot stewards and caterers are happy to restart but are determined the decision needs to take into account other issues. These include whether the charities are willing and able to provide volunteers to take money.

Also whether they can collect waste and litter. There is also concern that the Bedale Park toilets are being renovated from June 8 to June 30 so would not be available until July.

And the council said the most important thing for them is to find out what the people of Bedale think.

They’re considering three options; to restart from June 13, or when the toilets are finished probably from July 4 or remain closed and consider the issue again at future council meetings.

Comments can be made to clerk@bedale-tc.gov.uk or via the town council website at bedale-tc.gov.uk.