A MARKET trader says he has been unfairly targeted by new regulations coming into force in Dorchester.

Stallholders at the town’s Cornhill Market at the top of South Street have largely been spared the threat of closure, but one market regular claims the latest proposals will force him out.

Traders reacted angrily last year when a proposal was put forward to close the market in 2014 amid claims it did not add to the street scene of South Street.

However, following discussions with stallholders the Dorchester Markets Informal Joint Panel has come up with a new set of regulations that will come into effect next month and allow the majority of traders to continue to operate.

The changes include stallholders having to remove all vehicles from the market area by 8.45am rather than 10am and also restrict traders to only selling tangible goods.

That will mean Ivor Cardall, who offers customers advice on utility providers on behalf of the Utility Warehouse Discount Club, is faced with the prospect of packing up the stall he has run on Saturdays for the last two years.

He said: “I may not be selling stuff off the stall but I am selling cheaper gas, electric, broadband and mobiles.

“It does seem a bit unfair that all they’ve managed, after all these hours of talks, is to get rid of me.”

Mr Cardall said over the last two years he had built up trust with customers and was known as ‘the balloon man’ for his free balloons.

He added: “I’m doing it for the extra income and now I’ll have to find somewhere else to do it when there are thousands of people doing exactly the same thing in markets all over the country.”

Mr Cardall added that he had always kept his stall tidy and never chased or harassed customers.

Councillor Robert Gould, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “The Cornhill Market is run jointly between Dorchester Town and West Dorset District Councils.

“A decision was made to change the regulations for traders after discussions with the traders over the last few months.

“A panel of councillors from both councils agreed to recommend that from April 1, 2013, licences will not be issued to traders who proposes to use the market for display or promotional use. The decision was reached in conjunction with the traders’ representatives to ensure the integrity and vitality of the market would be maintained.”