DISCUSSIONS about the fate of Skipton's farmers' markets are to continue following the cancellation of plans to hold a Christmas one in December.

Six farmers' markets have been run on Sundays during 2005 to determine whether they are an added attraction for the town.

Stallholders attending these markets had asked if an additional one-off seasonal market could be held on December 18 and this was due to be debated by Craven District Council's community services committee.

However, following legal representation about whether the council would need the permission of the Lord of the Honour of Skipton - currently Sebastian Fattorini whose family owns Skipton Castle - it was decided to withdraw the item.

Markets manager Chris Aldred is due to present a report on the markets to the next meeting of the community services committee on November 30.

Skipton Chamber of Trade decided in September that it did not want to see more than the current four-day market.

Chamber president Bob Wright said in a letter to Mr Aldred: "Some members felt the market aspect of Skipton features too prominently when promoting the town as there are many quality, independent retailers who add much to the character of the town."

He added: "Additional markets would only antagonise the many quality, independent retailers in the town."

A survey was carried out at the August farmers' market to canvass the views of people attending. It found that of the 123 people spoken to, 79 per cent had come specifically for the market.

While in Skipton, 44 per cent of people had used other shops and services in the town and 60 per cent of them came from either the BD23 postcode area or other areas of Craven. All those interviewed said they wished to see the markets to continue in Skipton.

Mr Fattorini declined to comment.