A MONTHLY food market which set up stall in Bedale is pulling out of the town saying trade and traffic has declined and they have been hit by the opening of a new bypass.

The monthly market was set up by Yorkshire Food Markets in October 2015 to encourage people to shop in the town on Sundays. It was backed by the town council which agreed initially not to charge for the market, although expenses had to be paid.

In the first few months they had up to 20 stalls but in the past few months it has dwindled to a handful. Clerk Charlie Hart told town councillors a letter had been received from the organisers saying trade had declined and they would not be continuing.

They added:”Since the by pass opened traffic has reduced noticeably. It is very disappointing we have had to take this decision.”