MARKET traders do not seem to be aware of the rules regarding occupation of their stalls.

As market traders they are regulated by a 'first come, first served' basis used on all markets to preserve open competition.

Any contract is on a day to day basis, however at our own festival market an informal basis of pay a few days in advance and you (the trader) can retain the same pitch.

However, special conditions do apply in Morecambe due to the way the market was financed originally, that the market be available for five weekends per year for exhibitions and special events.

My previous letter indicated eight days, this was specially negotiated for the Shakespearean short season.

I apologise for that error but see no reasoned arguments in Mr Greenhalgh's vitriolic reply to my original letter.

He didn't respond to the statement that the market trading is the least demanding in capital investment terms to setting up business.

What do you need?

Transport, stock and join the queue at the market manager's office.

Certain stalls are customised in Morecambe and when the exhibition market is required, compensation, out of pocket expense, assistance in moving stalls, call it what you may, a sum on £13,000 was paid by the council to somebody or some persons prior to the punk festival taking place.

As regards moving caravans at Venture Caravan Park, if we meet the customer's specification and are within the law and the price is right, yes.

The argument in essence is directed at the council and new officers; they seem not to involve the people with the experience and background to the market hall's existence but make decisions with such a narrow band of people in the cabinet.

Recent reports in the press would indicate that wider involvement by officers and councillors is now being sought and, hopefully, may result in a programme of events by private and public sector to benefit Morecambe as a whole.

Obviously to take place in the festival market hall which can be available for five weekends per year and co-ordinated by our council's arts and events personnel.

The finance for the market was funded by the city council, arts council; lottery commission money.

The arts council donated £326,000 as part of a broader package which also involved the Platform and with a worst scenario could involve a reclaims figure up to £1.9 million if the conditions of the loan are not fulfilled.

It was also noted this weekend how many of the stalls were not open for business, was one of these the 'very annoyed trader?'

D Needham

Venture Caravan Park

Westgate

Morecambe