TROON Street Market has been hit with setbacks following wrangles with South Ayrshire Council.

The monthly event has not been able to run in March and again in April due to added rules set by the council, leading to the lengthy delays.

Due to the Troon Street Market being located close to the Walker Hall, it is understood that South Ayrshire Council are now asking the organisers for £250 a year ground rent with a £500 bond to be held in case there is any damage done to council owned ground.

A spokeswoman for Troon Street Market, said: “The market is not charged like this by other local authorities. It may bring a 20 per cent increase for the stall holders. The £500 is a bond and at the end of the year it is given back but other markets in the area have never been charged ground rent.

“The issue is the delay which affects all parties - the March and April stalls have not ran and the organiser for the Ayrshire Stall Hire has already paid for this year’s planning – there is a bigger picture to be looked at. 

“This market brings variety to the town and all the cafes have seen an upturn in their trade because of the market. It might be May before we get our first market if indeed at all.”

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council added: “The Council is always keen to support events and business ventures which attract people into our towns and villages and help boost the local economy.

"We are currently in negotiations with the organisers of Troon Street Market to determine the costs for using Council land and we will continue in our discussions directly with them.”

The Troon Market are considering the proposal made to them by South Ayrshire Council.