A TOWN'S continental market has been scrapped after a local brewery boss mounted a legal challenge.

About 25 traders from four European countries had been booked for the market in Tadcaster this weekend, when it was cancelled at the last minute.

It has now been moved to the Coppergate Centre, in York, after Sam Smiths brewery issued proceedings in the High Court yesterday, objecting to the Tadcaster venue.

Although organisers Market Place Europe Ltd managed to negotiate the York venue after 11th-hour talks with City of York Council chiefs, it is still likely to cost Selby District Council taxpayers thousands of pounds in compensation.

The company's managing director, Alan Hartwell, said he had put the issue of compensation, which would have to come from the council, in the hands of his solicitors.

He said: "We booked the event last November and have spent a considerable amount of money on advertising and promotion.

"Our losses could be fairly substantial."

Selby district councillors are fuming that their latest initiative to attract shoppers into Tadcaster has been torpedoed.

Coun Don Bain-Mackay said they had been told that Sam Smiths boss Humphrey Smith had objected to the market in Kirkgate, Tadcaster, saying it would result in loss of trade to local shops. He said: "Sam Smiths own some of the shops in Kirkgate, but I would argue that the market would boost trade all round.

"We held a continental market last year and it was very good for businesses across town."

The brewery has taken out several High Court injunctions against Selby District Council over the years, involving planning issues.

Coun Bain-Mackay said: "A lot of people in Tadcaster were looking forward to this market and this is yet another kick in the teeth."

Selby District Council made Kirkgate a traffic-free zone for the market under the 1847 Town Police Clauses Act, and it is understood the brewery is also challenging the legality of such an ancient act.

Traders from France, Holland, Germany and Italy will be at the market in York tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, selling specialist cheeses and breads, seafood pate, chocolates, wines, beers, flowers and clothes.

Market Place Europe Ltd turned down Selby District Council's offer of alternative venues, in Tadcaster's Central Area car park and Selby Market Place.

Mr Hartwell said: "We rejected them because switching venues at the last minute meant we needed a high-profile city centre spot that didn't rely on advertising."

Mr Smith declined to comment.

Updated: 09:56 Thursday, May 12, 2005