A PROPOSAL to ban dogs from Tavistock Pannier Market has come under fire from traders and shoppers, who say the move will strike at trade and tourism.

The idea for a ban was put forward by members of the town council's properties committee on Monday.

Town mayor Cllr Philip Sanders said: 'Personally I have a fairly strong view on this — I just don't think dogs and shops mix, and I certainly don't think dogs and food mix.

'There are numerous occasions when dogs have pee-ed on the floor in the market — having dogs in there just doesn't feel right.

'In all the years I have had a dog I have never taken it into a shop, but this is a very personal view.

'It's clearly not going to be popular with the traders who take their dogs in to work, but my feeling would be to institute a ban in the interior of the pannier market except for hearing dogs and guide dogs.'

New town clerk Carl Hearn said it was important to note the market reeve's concerns on the issue.

He told councillors: 'His feeling is that Tavistock is a dog place and that people should be able to take their dogs in there.'

Cllr Ashley Tossell said: 'Dogs are lovely but how many people take their dogs to work? You take them for walks, not to work.'

Cllr Brian Trew suggested there should be a period of time before any ban was implemented: 'Dogs have been taken in the market for a very long time, so I think we should give ample time for dog-owning traders to make alternative arrangements. It could cause problems and even distress to the animals.'

But Cllr David Rose disagreed with a ban: 'I am concerned about this. A lot of people go on holiday with their dogs. There are no facilities to leave dogs outside — you could start losing revenue and business in the market.

Cllr Jenny Metcalf said: 'I am not a dog person but I one hundred per cent agree with Cllr Rose.'

Market trader Gary Ayland, of Ron's Pets, said: 'Some of my best customers are dogs so I find it rather upsetting! I think a dog ban is unnecessary, to be perfectly honest. Allowing dogs in definitely encourages people in here, particularly among the holiday-makers.'

Shopper Brian Barham said: 'I think it would be a very unpopular and backward move.

'When you think of all the holiday-makers that come here with their dogs in the summer, they can't leave them in the car, they come in to town and then they can't take them in the market, it will definitely affect its trade.'

'It's a silly diktat gone mad,' said his wife, Jan.

Musician Seth Lakeman, who was in the market with his dog Bernie on Tuesday, said: 'I can't believe it — this building was built for animals in the first place.

'It would mean we can't wander around, go to Bob's Café — and Bernie wouldn't get his sausage! It's ridiculous.'

Holiday-maker Amanda Denning from Bath said: 'I think they will lose a lot of custom. I wouldn't leave my dog outside — it's the country here, for heaven's sake!'

Puppy walker Christine Blandford said she could understand traders being concerned if dog owners were not responsible. But she thought the move would have a serious effect on trade in the market, and would be particularly off-putting to visitors.

'It's a big, tragic mistake,' she said.

The committee recommended that all dogs except hearing and guide dogs should be banned from the pannier market in three weeks' time — the decision will be implemented if the recommendation is ratified by the full council at its meeting next Tuesday.

l What do you think??Should dogs be banned from the pannier market??Write to the Times with your views — [email protected]">[email protected]