Talks of handing over Knaresborough and Ripon markets to local councils got off to an acrimonious start with a row erupting even before negotiations had begun.

Harrogate Borough Council has responsibility for running the historic markets but questions over their future are now being asked as the authority will soon be abolished under government plans to reorganise North Yorkshire’s councils.

This was up for debate at a virtual meeting of the full council, which quickly descended into chaos as councillors clashed over their record of support for traders.

Conservative Cllr Ed Darling proposed a notice of motion that said the authority had “long supported” the markets, while Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Pat Marsh accused the ruling party of indulging in self-praise and taking “no action” for the future.

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The mayor of Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat Cllr Christine Willoughby, also said there was a “lingering distrust” among traders in the town, as well as fears over budget cuts.

She said:

The meeting on Wednesday marks the latest in a series of rows over the markets.

Last year the council faced pressure to scrap new rules, which meant traders were told to either bring and set up their own stalls or pay an extra fee.

Some stallholders had warned the move was putting the existence of the markets at risk but a petition insisting bosses re-think their decision was rejected.

Conservative Cllr Mike Chambers, cabinet member for housing and safer communities, said the council had shown strong support for the traders and that any suggestions otherwise were “facile”.

He said:

Under the reorganisation of councils, the government is due to make a decision this summer on whether a single authority for all of North Yorkshire or two bodies split on an east/west basis should replace the current two-tier system.