FEARS over town trade losses have prompted a rethink for Christmas opening times in Tavistock's pannier market.
The market was due to close on Christmas Eve and remain shut until January 4 — now traders are to be consulted again in an effort to hold a market on at least one day between Christmas and New Year.
Last month, a letter was sent by market reeve Keith Spiers to all Friday traders asking them if they would require a table on Thursday December 30, bearing in mind the number of public holidays during Christmas week.
Roger Howard, Tavistock's town clerk, said: 'Of the 60 people he contacted, 35 replied and 31 of those said no.
'He quite reasonably made the decision to close.'
Cllr Pat Warne said the other traders should have been asked if they would like to trade on December 29 and 30 — she said many of the Friday traders work elsewhere on a Thursday.
She said: 'I am very disturbed that we have got this close to Christmas without this coming to light and I am very disturbed the market reeve has taken this decision.
'It was indeed a shock to find this town is closing the jewel in its crown.'
Cllr Betty Batchelor said: 'I am concerned that people who are on leave will come to Tavistock and to find the market is shut is not very good.'
Cllr Judith Williams pointed out that Wednesday is a local authority holiday which would mean paying overtime to staff — a market would need to be well attended to make it viable.
Cllr Norma Woodcock agreed 'in principle' with the idea, but felt it was too late to re-advertise effectively.
The town clerk will now ask if council staff are willing to run a market after Christmas and, if so, consult traders next week to see who wants to work.