BIDEFORD Pannier Market traders are disappointed an advertising banner they battled to get on the Quay has disappeared.

Market traders say they were told by Bideford Mayor, Andy Powell, if they bought a sign to advertise the Tuesday and Saturday markets, it could be put up on the Quay.

The sign, to obey with Torridge District Council rules, had to be taken up and down twice a week and traders were told by the mayor this would be organised by town council staff and the market caretaker.

However, when traders did not remove the sign themselves, it remained on the Quay.

The district council consequently made complaints to Bideford Town Council about the banner in October and it has recently disappeared.

It is understood the town council could not fulfil the agreement the mayor had put forward and so traders would have to get the sign put up and down themselves.

But one trader said they were not able to do this as most of them were elderly and would not be able to climb the hill with the banner.

Cllr Powell said he got permission for the banner as long as it was taken down between markets and did not clash with the Farmers' Market.

He said: "When I saw the banner up I thought it was excellent and was very pleased to see it there, and I must point out that I understand it was sponsored, and not paid for outright by the traders."

He said he suggested that the town council would help put up and take down the banner at the start but with an understanding that the traders eventually managed this themselves.

However, he said at the time he did not know that the person he had in mind to carry out the work was not available on Mondays - the day it would first go up, and he is told that the banner needs two people to put it up.

He said he has now made a representation to Torridge District Council with a view to establishing under what terms and conditions the traders could have the banner remain in situ for longer periods.

"This I hope will make for its erection and dismantling a lot easier for all to manage and alleviate the present situation," he said.

One trader believes the sign has been "confiscated by council" after the mayor went back on his agreement.

She said: "It was a beautiful banner and we got a lot of feedback from customers."

Another added: "It really increased footfall to the historic pannier market while it was up — it made a big difference."

Torridge District Council leader James Morrish said none of his officers had removed, or confiscated, the banner which he described as "very nice and a very appropriate banner". He confirmed the council allowed banners to be placed on the Quay in the run up to events and for a few days afterwards. The rules were in place after signs were left for lengthy times and residents complained they were was looking "trashy".

He added: "We are very keen to help the market traders, but the market is currently managed by the town council and we don't want to wade in above them."