MARKET traders want York's Newgate stalls to be publicised in an effort to beat off competition from specialist events.

The regular stall holders feel markets such as the Farmers' Market, held in Parliament Street, damage their business, according to a report completed for City of York Council.

They want the Newgate Market to be moved and given greater publicity in an effort to compete.

"The Newgate Market traders view the specialist markets, apart from St Nicholas Fayre and the Food and Drink Festival, as being competition to, rather than as being complimentary to, Newgate Market," the report states.

"The traders are of the view that greater emphasis needs to be given to Newgate Market and that it should be moved to Parliament Street.

"Visitors are unaware of the existence of the market, and greater effort should be put into it. The traders felt that they should have a greater voice."

City of York Council intends to hold more than 50 specialist markets this year, including the Continental Market, the Easter Fair and the Yorkshire Day Market.

It plans to let Newgate Market traders move in Parliament Street for three three-day events aimed at increasing its profile.

Figures show that income from Newgate Market has decreased, with its making a loss of nearly £17,000 last year.

Meanwhile, specialist markets made a surplus of £15,274 - largely because they operate on fewer days and therefore do not have the same overheads.

Both the Newgate and specialist markets operate from the same council budget.

"There is close co-operation with First Stop York (which promotes tourism) on major events such as St Nicholas Fayre, the Food and Drink Festival and special events," the report states.

"However, the is no partnership or co-ordinated approach to promoting Newgate Market to local people and those within the York catchment area.

"The market traders felt there should be greater integration between the speciality markets and Newgate Market and a more level playing field between speciality and market traders."

The council is considering the report.

Updated: 11:31 Monday, February 11, 2002