CARNFORTH could have its first street market, if a local councillor's plans get the go ahead.

The town's Wednesday market has been forced to move from behind the Queen's Hotel to a site close to the war memorial.

However, the move has hit legal difficulties involving the county council and also infuriated older local residents who believe the move is disrespectful.

But Cllr Gregg Beaman is to ask Lancaster city council to consider giving its backing to a street market on New Street in the town.

He believes the market could revitalise the New Street area and tie in well with the forthcoming re-development of the town's famous railway station.

Cllr Beaman said: "Traditionally, the market has been tucked away behind the Queen's Hotel, but it has moved to a site near the war memorial.

"In some ways the war memorial would be suitable, but I do know that a large number of people think it would be disrespectful for the market to trade there, so I don't think that is an option.

"The area I'm thinking of could have been built to hold a street market. It would be ideal.

"We would need to divert the traffic, but I think that could be done without having too much of an impact."

Cllr Beaman's idea has been put to council leader, Cllr Tricia Heath, and head of estates, Graham Cox, and is due to be discussed at the next meeting of the city council's cabinet.

If the city council gives the go ahead, permission for the road closure must be gained from Lancashire County Council.