TRADERS at a struggling market have failed to restrict competition between stalls in an attempt to maintain their takings.

But the 'bra wars' rumpus that sparked the move at Clitheroe market has prompted calls for a detailed survey into the reasons for the decline.

Market regulations state that no more than three stalls on the market can sell the same line.

The rule created problems when Maria Louise Jeys was forced to keep her Peggy Louise Quality Lingerie stall shut on Tuesdays, because a council mix-up meant there were too many underwear stalls.

Now traders have suggested the number of stalls selling the same line should be reduced to two to give them a greater share of business and entice them to stay at the site.

The move was turned down by Ribble Valley councillors but the council's community committee heard there was a growing number of vacant stalls.

Market boss James Russell said on average up to 15 stalls were lying vacant on Tuesdays, 24 on Thursdays and seven on Saturdays.

"Some of this shortage is attributable to natural seasonal variation, but there is an appreciable growing regional problem with surrounding markets competing for a diminishing number of market traders," he said.

Coun Philip Neirop, of Bolton-by-Bowland, called for a detailed study into why the market was declining. Clitheroe Mayor Alan Yearing said if the council was trying to attract custom, it would be "strange" to reduce the number of traders who could sell the same line of goods.

"Once upon a time we had a waiting list of traders wanting to come on the market and now we have vacancies. We must stop this decline," he said.

Councillors rejected the suggestion that only two stallholders should be allowed to sell the same line of goods and agreed to look into the inclusion of more cabins at the site.

Traders are also to be offered a third stall at half rent from next April.

Maria, who also has a stall at Clitheroe on Thursdays, was told to quit Tuesdays, Clitheroe's main market day, after regular stallholders complained there were too many traders selling underwear.

Customers signed a petition for her and the Ombudsman was called in to investigate.

But traders referred him to market regulations stating no more than three stalls could sell one line.

Ribble Valley Council eventually apologised to Maria because they had issued her original contract in the mistaken belief that a third stallholder selling underwear had resigned.

After the latest council decision to reject a 'two stalls' restriction, Maria said: "This is brilliant, a step in the right direction. I haven't heard anything official yet, but it sounds like a good move. Competition is healthy."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.