TRADERS at Pickering’s Monday market have said they are checking their legal position as part of their fight against plans to move the market to the Ropery car park.

The market will temporarily relocate to the car park from today for six weeks, while Pickering undergoes a programme of gasworks in Hungate, with traffic diverted up Market Place.

The Ropery car park will be closed from 5am to 5pm each Monday during this period. Signs are up directing people to park at Vivis Lane and Eastgate on those days.

But there is also a consultation in progress between the town council and the district council to make the move permanent.

Joanne Dawson, who runs a card stall on the market, said: “Legally, we don’t think that they can permanently move us. If they do move us, the market will just subside. It’s no good trading where there’s no footfall.”

Steph Medcalf, of Ryedale District Council, said that traders will be consulted on any relocation plan. She said: “Pickering Town Council plan to consult with members of the public and local businesses to understand their views.”