TRADERS are furious at plans to fine them £100 for parking their vans in Newmarket's market square on market days.

Stallholders at the Tuesday and Saturday markets say Forest Heath District Council told them to find other parking arrangements by May 5 - or risk a £100 fine.

Bernard Edgeley, a fruit and vegetable trader, said: "The market is only half full so we park on the market. They are taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

Peter Read, who runs a card stall, said: "The best thing the council can do is have a proper meeting and listen to us. They're not doing anything to help promote us or the town."

But Cllr Susan Honeyford, who represents Newmarket's St Mary's ward, said: "Having a van-free market, with exceptions for specially-adapted vans, is part of a programme of improvement and promotion for the market. Over the years the number of traders has declined. The remaining ones were allowed to disregard the 'no vans' regulation.

"The result? The market looks like a car boot sale or white van convention, which costs council taxpayers some £20,000 to run. And traders have not had their fees increased for 12 years."