COUNCILLORS have banned a French market from Worthing as part of a nationwide protest against the ban on British beef.

The decision to ban the twice-yearly market in Montague Place was today welcomed by traders and the National Farmers' Union.

Organisers feared scores of

protesters would have disrupted the market, which was due in

Worthing from Friday to Sunday.

NFU officials are pleased with the decision. They are trying to organise a rival British market for Worthing, which is twinned with the French town Sables D'Olonne.

Civic leaders said it is "highly unlikely" that the French market will ever return to the town. The market sells a range of French foods including pate, garlic, sausages and bread.

More than 40 traders have crossed the Channel for the market, which has been running for almost three years.

Coun Andrew Garrett, deputy leader of the Conservative group and chairman of the economic development and marketing committee, said: "It has been banned.

"The decision was taken not just by the ruling group but also the town centre initiative. They have withdrawn their support for the market.

"This is in the light of conversations between us and the National Farmers' Union, which said protests were likely at this weekend's market and there could have been unpleasantness.

"Also, had this gone ahead, it would have given a poor sign to to British farmers after the French beef ban and it would have had a detrimental effect on retailers in the town centre.

Clare Potter, of the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, said: "We are cancelling this because we do not think it is right to go ahead with it. This is especially so after hearing that the French were stopping English traders going into the country and were turning them back.

"It is entirely appropriate for this to happen despite the extent of costs against us."

She said she has been in talks with the NFU to see if a British-only produce market could be set up next year.

"This decision has been sup-

ported by the council and farmers and traders. It has not been taken lightly. There will be a review of this decision next year to see if the market returns."

She declined to say how much the cancellation would cost the initiative.

Coun Brian McLuskie, mayor of Worthing, said: "I have great sympathy with British farmers because they have had a rough deal. I also think the French have been very cavalier in the way they have been putting two fingers up to the legislation, saying we are not going to obey the EU directive.

"I find it very disappointing. But I am also very concerned about the kind of xenophobic attitude which seems to grip people when anything of this nature occurs.

"We need to step back from this and take a measured view of what is happening.

"We need to remember that in a few weeks' time we will be commemorating the two world wars. One hopes that cool heads will prevail on both sides of the Channel and we will not descend into xenophobic bashing on both sides."

Former mayor Herbie Golds, chairman of Worthing's Twinning Association, said: "I do not want to get embroiled in what happens at the town hall. I have no comment to make."

Traders in Burgess Hill are divided over whether to

support a French market

due in the town centre on December 4-5.

Basil House, chairman of Burgess Hill Town Twinning Association, said: "The main objective of the twinning

association is to foster friendship.

"I would hope that the attraction of a French market would bring more people into the town and that local traders would therefore benefit."

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