TRADERS in Carnforth have been given the go-ahead to use land in the centre of town during their weekly market.

Proposals by the town's Chamber of Trade for stalls to use space around the war memorial off Market Street, and land near Ash Trees surgery were approved this week by Lancaster City Council's planning and highways regulatory committee.

In March a similar scheme was refused because original plans would have resulted in the loss of parking spaces around the memorial, and also because planners felt the proposed 5am start was too early.

Both these concerns were addressed in the revised plans, which did not include the use of the parking spaces, and asked for a later 6.30am start to allow stalls to be set up.

Keith Moore, chairman of the chamber, said he was delighted the plans were approved, which followed months of negotiation with planners since the market moved from its old site behind the Queens Hotel a year ago in a bid to attract more passing trade.

Mr Moore said he thought the market would flourish in its new position.

"It's the only place for it.

All markets should be in the middle of town, unless they are there, they don't get the business," he added.