TAVISTOCK Pannier Market could be breaking with tradition this summer, as a trial period of six-day trading is being considered.

Members of the town council's properties committee last week heard that some councillors had been lobbied in an effort to introduce Monday opening in the market. The committee heard the chamber of trade was particularly keen that trading hours were extended.

Cllr Brian Trew questioned the viability of Monday opening.

He said there had been 'huge changes' in the market in recent years, but the fact remained that Tavistock was not packed with people every day.

'Traders say they don't make money on a Wednesday and Thursday, and have made the point that Monday is dead in town.

'We have changed things to make the market more viable than it ever was before, and even though I would love to see it open on a Monday, I think we would be shooting ourselves in the foot if we started to muck around with a model which is working well, especially in these difficult times,' he said.

Cllr Trew pointed out that there would be 'significant staffing costs' associated with opening the market on a Monday — and councillors should bear in mind that overall revenue could also drop as a consequence of opening up an extra day.

'If you are talking about full staffing on a Monday, I think we will have to have extra staff, or we will end up with people doing untenable hours,' he said.

Cllr Ted Sherrell said it was important to remember that it was the town council which ran the pannier market on behalf of the town, not the chamber of commerce.

And Cllr Michael Harper said there would be 'considerable logistical problems' in opening up on a Monday.

'I can't see any way that opening the market on a Monday would increase trade in the town's shops,' he said.

Cllr John Sellis proposed the council could open the market on Monday for a trial period this summer, between Easter and September.

The committee agreed the proposal by four votes to three, with the proviso increased costs should be kept to an absolute minimum.

The decision was due to be ratified by the council at its meeting on Tuesday.