TRADING could be allowed on Craven District Council car parks as a way of generating extra income.

An annual licence for a spot on Skipton'sHigh Street car park could bring in £5,000 for the council, while a pitch in a village car park, such as Ashfield, Settle, around £2,000.

In a report to the council's policy committee, estates surveyor Andrew Whelan said the proposal would generate a valuable income for the council.

"Potential licence fees will vary from site to site, depending on factors such as location and footfall. Neighbouring authorities achieve between £2,000 and £6,000 per annum per pitch dependent on location," he said.

Trading would be restricted to areas of land within car parks where parking was not suitable.

They are likely to be sellers of soft drinks and food, but could also include organisations selling car breakdown cover.

They will not be allowed to sell hot food or alcohol - because of a higher risk of litter and nuisance.

If everything goes to plan, the council will initially offer pitches to prospective traders in Skipton car parks - High Street, Coach Street and at the bus station.

Interest will also be gauged for the Ingleton Community Centre Car Park and Ashfield Car Park, Settle.

Cllr Alan Sutcliffe (Cons) told councillors issues such as conflicting traders would be sorted out at the application stage.

Cllr Robert Heseltine (Ind) warned of the potential issues involved in letting space to ice-cream vendors.