A DAWN weather forecast dictates whether Skipton Market stall holders are allowed to park vans on the High Street.

High winds during market days means permits are handed out allowing traders to keep their vans on the setts, protecting the stalls - and the public - against strong winds.

Dave Parker, chief officer, told the full meeting of the town council the market manager shared the Met Office forecast with stall holders around 6am.

And if winds of more than 30mph were forecast traders would be allowed permits for that day only.

Mr Parker added that without one of the specially issued permits, market stall holders would risk getting a parking ticket, the same as any other member of the public.

On a normal day, vans had to be off the setts by 9.30am, or could be issued a ticket from the parking enforcement officers.

Cllr Peter Madeley said strong winds were not just an issue for stall holders, but for members f the public.

"We have a duty to the public to make sure we look at the risks and make sure the stalls are safe," he said.

Councillors welcomed the information with the suggestion that an explanation be put on the council website and posted outside the town hall, for those without computers.