Regulations for running town centre markets in Dunfermline are being tightened up after a “shambolic” event prompted complaints.
Councillor Neale Hanvey said a recent High Street market had left pedestrians struggling to negotiate obstacles as items for sale were displayed across the tarmac.
“People could hardly get along the street by Marks and Spencer because somebody had a garden centre with flowers and plants all along the street,” he said.
“I think a balance has to be struck.”
Dunfermline area committee agreed that applications for market and street traders’ licences should be assessed by the council’s legal services regulation team.
The impact of road closures on local businesses will also be considered.
In addition to the regular farmers’ market held at the Louise Carnegie Gates, stalls have been set up in various locations along the High Street.
A report to the committee stated that setting up stalls in St Catherine’s Wynd requires a road closure which impacts on events and ceremonies at Dunfermline Abbey.
However it acknowledged that previous markets have not coincided with church services.
The area in front of Louise Carnegie Gates is seen as the preferred site for markets because it causes the least disruption.
Mr Hanvey said other High Street sites should be considered.
“We might have a challenge putting it up at the gates,” he said.
“But there’s a middle area that could be considered as another site.
“We need to have a considered view of how to maximise interest.”
Committee chair Helen Law said: “We need to try to do as much as we can to maximise opportunities in the High Street.
“While the market did create a bit of a buzz in the High Street, there was a garden centre that people were tripping over.
“We can’t have that kind of undisciplined, unregulated market.
“We welcome these markets into the city centre because they encourage more people into the High Street area.
“They should however not impact on the existing shops and should be offering additional choice for shoppers.
“By creating flexibility in the application process we hope we can meet most requests while ensuring the suitability of goods, public safety, and allowing access where necessary.”
