A NEW livestock market is needed, say Ryedale councillors – but it may not necessarily be in Malton.

The district council agreed after a lengthy debate last week that while a market is necessary for Malton’s economy, if a suitable site could not be found in or around the town, then one should be sought in another part of Ryedale.

Council leader, Coun Keith Knaggs, said that there should be a provision in the district council’s new planning blueprint, known as the Local Development Framework, for a market to be located in, or near, Malton, but others could be investigated if “a suitable or deliverable site” did not come forward around the town.

But Coun John Clark feared that such a decision could result “in years of wrangling”. He favoured leaving the proposal for a site in an area which could embrace not only Malton but also Old Malton and Norton.

Coun Tony Hemesley, the authoriy’s vice-chairman, told the council: “The present market site could be used for better purposes. It should be more than a livestock market, such as a farmers’ market which would bring people into Malton.”

Coun Howard Keal said the market was “the golden key” to the regeneration of Malton. “It could be in Showfield Lane or a site near Eden Camp.”

He said that Thirsk’s livestock market had gone from strength to strength since it moved out of the town centre.

But the Malton market was “a continuing stalemate” he said. “It will only be resolved when the parties involved get together and give ground.”

Coun Paul Andrews, whose motion had started the debate when he called on the council to retain the market in Malton as “a cardinal principle” of the new development plan, said: “Malton market has never been more than it is today.”

He added farms were getting larger and without the market farmers would have to transport stock to York market.

Coun Andrews said the turnover for Malton businesses increased on market days. “The market serves the whole community. It is not about keeping the market on its present site, but keeping it within the parish of Malton,” he said.

Coun Edward Legard said there was a business need for the market to survive. “Malton needs a shot in the arm,” he said.

The decision now becomes part of the draft development plan which will eventually go to a public inquiry for examination before it is ratified by the Secretary of State.