A SHAKE-UP of street trading rules could cost Thornbury’s Farmers’ Market thousands of pounds, putting its future under threat.

Organisers of the popular fortnightly event have said proposed changes to the way street trading consents are granted by South Gloucestershire Council could jeopardise the market.

The local authority this week launched a 12-week consultation period on the changes it would like to see made to street trading, which if approved could bring in more income for the council.

Certain events previously exempt from street trading fees such as farmers’ markets, community events, fetes and carnivals could have to pay up to more than £2,000.

St Mary Shopping Centre has organised the town’s farmers’ markets for the past 10 years, and has only had to pay a £35 annual fee.

Alan Cole, from the shopping centre, said: "Primarily my concern is the removal of farmers’ markets from the fee exemption.

"We are hoping the £2,177 being quoted is an annual fee, hopefully that’s not per market but either way the application cost and the fees together will threaten the sustainability and the future of the market."

Mr Cole said he has asked to meet with the council to discuss the proposals and their potential impact.

Penny Skinner, from Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, said the changes could also affect the quarterly food fairs held in Castle Street.

"We don’t make a lot of money, it’s organised by the chamber to help the town. We already have to pay for the street closure and the temporary events notice.

"This additional cost will mean less money going back into the community projects in Thornbury," she said.

Other changes being proposed by South Gloucestershire Council include introducing a new blanket consent and fee structure for large events, a higher minimum fee of £150, as well as considering the need for toilet facilities for traders and CRB checks for traders operating near schools.

Under the proposals Christmas fetes associated with the switching on of lights, registered charity events and community events for the Diamond Jubilee next year would remain exempt from fees.

A spokesman for the council said the purpose of the consultation was to simplify the street trading policy, and any financial implications for farmers' markets might be justified in the current economic climate.

He said: "No decisions have been taken and the council would welcome comments from residents, consumers, businesses and all other interested parties.

"With regard to farmers' markets, the existing policy was established in 2002 shortly after the foot and mouth outbreak and in order to support the struggling farming community a decision was made not to charge a fee for farmers' markets.

"But in 2011 and at a time when residents are really feeling the pinch, the council needs to ask council taxpayers whether they wish to keep subsidising farmers' markets or if such events should be asked to cover the reasonable costs of administering them."

The consultation can viewed in full by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk and clicking on Have Your Say.