FARMERS' markets in Evesham are to continue up until the end of December but farmers might have to pay the town council a fee in future.

At a full meeting of the town council this week, members agreed to extend the trial period from now until the end of the year.

They also gave permission to allow an extra market on Tuesday, December 11, but they refused to sanction one every month for the foreseeable future as town centre manager Lew Hammond had requested on behalf of the farmers.

In a letter to the council, Mr Hammond said the markets, outside the old post office in the High Street, had proved highly successful.

"Despite one or two teething problems they had been generally accepted as beneficial to the area by the local traders," he said.

Coun John Stych, who owns Bunty's nearby, said: "I took a jaundiced view when they first started but they are very successful with the public and my customers.

"It doesn't really impinge on other markets."

"It's good for the town and good for retailers up that part of the High Street," added Coun Andy Dyke.

But Coun Phil Nosworthy thought a monthly market might be "overkill". Last year, he said, the council agreed to host just six annually.

"These people do not pay a thing to Evesham Town Council which holds the market rights. They should pay the going rate," said Coun Ron Cartwright.

Coun Steve Selby said: "I think we should charge to be fair to other market traders."

Despite town clerk Frank Green pointing out the farmers did not pay fees to the market organisers, he was asked to negotiate with them between now and January to see what fee might be mutually acceptable.