Skipton market traders have voiced their concerns about plans to allow the town's auction mart to set up its own Sunday car boot sales.

A spokesman for the traders spoke of his concern that the rival market might affect their livelihoods by taking trade away from them during the week.

But, despite their worries, members of Craven District Council's Community Services Committee agreed that the auction mart could hold sales every Sunday, selling only second hand goods.

However their decision is subject to further consultation with interested parties such as the Skipton Market Traders Association, owners of the Market Rights, and officials from the county's trading standards department.

The market authority - in other words Craven District Council - holds power to control not only Skipton market but also any other rival market which wishes to establish within six and two-third miles of their market.

Over the years, it has had many approaches from commercial organisations wishing to establish car boot sales within the boundaries, but no approval has been given which may adversely affect the Skipton market.

Yet the question was asked whether it could stop the proposed market when it had already resolved, in its own favour, to allow the use of the town hall as a Sunday market.

Solicitor John Mewies, acting on behalf of the auction mart, said the trading at the moment was a financial disaster.

The agriculture industry had declined dramatically and to keep the buildings utilised to their full potential, he hoped the car boot sales would get the go-ahead.

Coun Richard Welch said he did not see why the sales should be a problem.

"Skipton market is one of the most sought after markets to get on in England. If it is such a lucrative market I do not think they (market traders) have cause to complain at all."

He added that if the car boot sales were on a Sunday and sold only second hand goods, they would pull people into the area and should pose no problem to the main market.

A report from the consultations is to be brought back to a special meeting on April 28 for a final decision to bemade.

Until that date, the auction mart can go-ahead with car boot sales for 14 days as it does not need planning permission for this under the general permitted development order.

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