TRADERS in Tavistock Pannier Market will not be open for business on bank holidays next year, following an agreement at the town council's properties committee last week.

Town clerk Carl Hearn told members that the market reeve had liaised with Tavistock BID and the chamber of commerce to find out how many shops were intending to trade.

Mr Hearn said the reeve was of the opinion that there were not sufficient businesses willing to open on bank holidays to make it worthwhile operating the market.

'There is a clear view from the pannier market traders and their experience of business in bank holidays is not a good one,' he said.

Cllr Lynn Rose said: 'I think we need to be guided by the market traders. I don't think the pannier market on its own is big enough to draw people in to Tavistock on a bank holiday, unless we get more shops opening.

'I think it would be best to leave it and review it at a later date.'

The committee agreed the market would remain closed on bank holidays but the option to review the situation would be kept open. The decision was due to be ratified by the full council at its meeting this week.

l Tavistock Pannier Market will not open for late night Christmas shopping this year, following a consultation with traders.

Town clerk Carl Hearn last week told members of the council's properties committee that roughly two thirds of traders were opposed to working on the three December Friday evenings on the run-up to Christmas.

However, the perimeter of the market would be open for any businesses that did wish to trade.

Tavistock Business Improvement District (BID) is promoting these three Fridays in local press and on radio — there are plans for some street entertainment and it is hoped most of the town centre shops will be open for business.