TAVISTOCK Pannier Market has come under the spotlight after a comment made at the town council last week questioning the quality of stalls in the market.

The pannier market report for July/August, which was reviewed at the properties committee meeting, included a few of the positive reviews the market had received recently on website Trip Advisor.

One review read: ‘There’s always something to catch the eye at this fascinating market in the heart of historic Tavistock.’

However, recently elected chairman of the properties committee, Cllr Colin Rogers shared an instance in which he had been told by a local resident that ‘the standard of stalls is falling and the market is becoming full of low end goods’.

In response general manager Wayne Southall advised the council that the market reeve would be reviewing the stalls over the next three to six month period and reporting back to council accordingly.

Numbers into the market have been good recently with a mixture of locals and visitors. Tuesday’s antiques and collectables (bric-a-brac) has become one of the market’s busiest days with an average of around five coaches visiting on a Tuesday, making the footfall especially good.

The takings for the pannier market also conveyed a positive shopping trend, beating last year’s totals.

The mayor, Cllr Sue Bailey said: ‘It’s nice to know that the takings are holding up.’

The takings for the Bedford Square plots were not above those for 2014, though the report suggested that was due to cancellations during the wet weather conditions.

Also after many years of successful trading, the market has said goodbye to Paul the Fisherman.

A small presentation took place between staff and traders to wish him well for the future.

An established market trader has since inquired about incorporating fishing tackle into their business.

Tavistock’s popular Goose Fair was also mentioned during the meeting, with regard to the amount of food stalls and catering vans taking pitches during the event.

Cllr Colin Rogers inquired whether the quantity of food outlets would differ from last year.

Wayne Southall responded by saying: ‘Tavistock Town Council has actively attempted to reduce the food stalls incrementally over the last five years.’