A NATIONAL row over French market traders erupted today - with the Easingwold-based National Farmers' Union boss leading the assault.

Ben Gill, NFU President, has labelled local authority promotion of French markets in Britain as "indefensible" while France maintains its illegal ban on British beef.

He has written to Gordon Keymer, the chairman of the Local Government Association's Rural Commission, after complaints from NFU members about French traders setting up stall in places like York city centre.

Mr Gill said: "In normal circumstances I would have no desire to interfere in decisions taken by local authorities on such matters, but I have to say that for many people in rural communities this kind of promotion is highly insensitive."

He added: "At a time when the French authorities are maintaining their ban on British beef illegally and without any scientific justification, it is indefensible for local governments to be encouraging the purchase of French goods."

The row over French traders setting up in York's Parliament Street has rumbled on despite the cancellation of the last French market, which was scheduled for Christmas, after an Evening Press phone poll showed massive opposition to it due to the beef ban.

When a new Continental market was launched in February it drew criticism from traders in nearby Newgate Market because about half a dozen of the stalls were actually French - though it was strongly defended by then York Lord Mayor Coun Peter Vaughan as a crucial attraction promoting York's visitor culture.

A Continental market held earlier this month also came under attack from Newgate stallholders - but that was because they claimed a Spanish fruit and vegetable stall was competing directly with local traders.

The next Continental market, which will include French stalls, will take place in September as part of the Food and Drink Festival.

Paul Barrett, City of York Council markets manager, said: "It's no longer just a French market. We have expanded it to incorporate lots of other countries.

"We stopped running just a French market because we wanted to offer more choice and it coincided with the British beef ban in France."

But Sylvia Rooke, last year's president of women's group Soroptimist International of York, said: "Why doesn't York wake up and stop having French markets?

"Just because the market is now called continental doesn't change the fact that we are still selling and promoting French food. It's a cover-up and it's got to stop."