TRADERS are sharply divided over the development of a farmers' market in Tavistock.
While many think it will be generally good for business, others say that the district and town councils should not be giving money to encourage new entrants.
Earlier this month the town council gave the plan for a regular farmers' market on Bedford Square its blessing with a token grant of £100. This brought the scheme a step closer to fruition, after months of talks. West Devon Borough Council has put up £1,000.
But Roger Bird, who runs Palmers, the Brook Street butcher and greengrocer, said he was very irate that public money was being given to promote a 'farmers' market'.
'I believe in helping farmers, but shopkeepers are finding it difficult enough to run a business without local taxpayers' money being given to encourage traders to come here for one day a month. I don't mind fair competition, but I would like a level playing field.'
In recent years there had been huge increases in council tax, health and safety costs and a £100 licence fee to trade as a butcher, as well as riding out the BSE crisis, he said. 'Traders from outside avoid many of these costs.'
Vic Stacey, of Crebers, the grocers in Brook Street, said he agreed absolutely with Mr Bird.
'I'm not against the farmers, either, but a farmers' market is bound to have an effect on traders, with our sky-high business rates. They should reduce the rates for us.'
He said it was illogical to ban cars and coaches from parking in front of the town hall so that people could see the building and then to allow a market there instead.
However, David Leseelleur, owner of the Market Garden stall in the Pannier Market, said that his trade had gone up on the day of the trial farmers' market last July.
'People flooded into the town to see it. I've never seen so many on a Saturday. That's all we can judge by,' he said.
Gill Gorbutt, chairman of the farmers' market steering group, said: 'the market will not compete directly with existing traders. The pilot did not have any detrimental effect.'
Pat Mayston, assistant director of West DEN, the West Devon Environmental Network, which has helped to develop the farmers' market, said Mr Leseelleur's view was that of the majority.
'We did market research after the trial day which showed the vast majority are in favour. Farmers' markets draw in more people,' she said.
Gill Gorbutt said the farmers' market needed another £12,000 for 20 stalls and a trailer. She hoped it would open in the spring, initially on one Saturday a month.