THE future of Royston market could be at risk, says a town councillor. North Herts District Council is looking at the possibility of handing the running of the market over to a sub-contractor. But Cllr Rod Kennedy said Royston Town Council should express

THE future of Royston market could be at risk, says a town councillor.

North Herts District Council is looking at the possibility of handing the running of the market over to a sub-contractor.

But Cllr Rod Kennedy said Royston Town Council should "express reservations" about the idea.

"We are a market town and the market has to continue, but there is concern that it might not happen," he said.

He said that concerns about the market on Wednesday and Saturdays had been raised at a recent meeting of the Royston Town Centre Forum.

And it is believed that town centre manager Gerraint Burnell has raised concerns with the town council.

Cllr Lindsay Davidson described the suggestion as "a major issue" in which the town council should be consulted.

But Cllr Peter Burt said the town council needed the full facts on the situation instead of making "alarmist statements" on the issue.

It is understood that the district council will shortly be calling on private companies to tender to run the market.

"There is concern that the future of the market is at risk," added Cllr Kennedy.