Plans to move Tadcaster's Thursday market to a more traditional street setting are now expected to go ahead following a decision in London's Appeal Court.

The court dismissed an appeal by Samuel Smiths Brewery, which was objecting to a county council order closing Kirkgate and Westgate to traffic on Thursdays only.

The traffic order will now give Selby District Council the opportunity to relocate the market from the Central Area car park to Kirkgate. Councillors believe the switch will reduce the market's current losses of about £12,000 a year, and boost town centre trade. The brewery argued that the road closure on one day a week would be dangerous, confusing for drivers, and cause inconvenience to shopkeepers and residents.

Brewery chiefs also claimed the issue should have been decided by the Secretary of State, which would have provided the safeguard of a public inquiry and potential compensation for those affected. But the three Lords Justices yesterday refused the brewery's appeal, saying the traffic order was within the powers of North Yorkshire County Council.

Brian Percival, president of Tadcaster Chamber of Commerce and a Selby district councillor, today welcomed the court decision, saying that common sense had finally prevailed.

He said: "Plans by Tadcaster Regeneration Partnership to rejuvenate the town include relocating the market in Kirkgate, and I'm confident that will now happen by Easter.

"We can also now look at introducing a Saturday market in Kirkgate."

A North Yorkshire County Council spokeswoman said it was pleased the Appeal Court had upheld its decision to pedestrianise Kirkgate and Westgate on Thursdays only.

No-one was available at Sam Smiths to comment today.