THE Christmas market in Fairford will be able to continue for another year, after Cotswold District Council agreed to waive 45 per cent of the £250 street trading fee earlier this week.

Cllr Martin Harwood represented Fairford Town Council at CDC's licensing sub-committee meeting earlier this week to discuss whether the street trading consent fee could be waived for the popular annual market this year. Last year CDC waived 30 per cent of the fee.

The councillor said he hoped the committee would help with the market which "fosters community spirit, is run entirely by volunteers and does not make any money".

Chairman Julian Beale said although Cllr Harwood had bought some accounts of the market with him he said they were incomplete and advised him next year to bring a fuller set of accounts.

"This should not be seen as a barrier to come back next year," said the chairman. "We would be delighted to see you again but we would like to see organisation doing a bit more to help itself and help us help you."

After the meeting Cllr Harwood said he was very happy with the decision as he had not expected anything.

"The council does not always offer discounts so 45 per cent is a good amount. The market will continue into the future."