THE decision to offer Bedford Square as a pitch for two market traders on a Friday was given the thumbs up by town councillors this week.

Endsleigh and Rising Sun nurseries, which have previously traded from outside the western end of the pannier market on Fridays, have for the last month been selling their flowers and plants on the square.

The businesses were offered the square for trading by the market reeve, as their pitches outside the pannier market caused problems with traffic flow, access and safety.

The innovation worried Cllr Betty Batchelor, who was concerned about extra cleaning costs and licence liabilities.

Cllr Caroline Keane said she was all for the idea, but thought trading from the square would be very popular and was concerned how the reeve would decide who could work there.

Cllr Judith Williams said it would be important to make sure the walkways across the square were kept clear.

She suggested councillors agreed the move, with the caveat that it was only the two outside traders who were allowed to use the square.

Market reeve John Brady said he offered the nurseries the new pitches following consultation with the town clerk and said both businesses were paying the full market rental to trade from the square.

Cleaning of the area was carried out at the end of the day by council staff, within the market budget.

Mr Brady said: ?There is no competition as I have kept it to these people, who are colourful and attractive. They make interest and activity on the square and it has been extremely successful.

?It has been well received by the majority and is also hugely enjoyed by the people of Tavistock ? indeed, it creates financial viability on that square.?

Alan Elias, of Rising Sun Nurseries, said: ?The weather?s been excellent and that?s certainly been a major factor.

?We?ve been given more space to try and make the square look more attractive and so far we haven?t heard one person say they don?t like it ? whichever way people come into town, it makes a show.

?This is the third time we?ve been here and we?re still gettinbg people saying ?Isn?t this much better???

Mark Balsdon, of Endsleigh Nurseries, said: ?People are very happy with it, they come from the car park and we?re right there in front of them.

?We?re pleased to be here ? and some people are saying it should have happened a long time ago.?