Traders brand donkey law an ass

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Since the 1200s, South Shields at the mouth of the River Tyne has been given the right to block markets from being run within six and two-thirds miles of its own popular stalls.

North Shields, a mile away across the river, wants to set up a weekly market but is barred by the donkey rule, according to North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce president Maggie Richardson.

She said: "It is a bizarre situation. We have been trying for a number of years to get around this, but everytime we have approached South Tyneside Council, they say they were given a market charter some time in the 1200 region by King John, so that no one can set up a market within a day's donkey ride.

"It's not funny, it's pathetic. The law definitely is an ass.

"We need a market because they bring vibrancy to the town centre."

North Tyneside's Labour elected mayor John Harrison said: "While tradition is important it should not block progress. This seems like a 12th century approach to a 21st century opportunity to give people in North Tyneside more choice in their shopping."

But across the Tyne, South Tyneside Council showed mule-like stubbornness in protecting its market.

A spokeswoman said: "It is of great importance to South Tyneside and, as its owner, South Tyneside Council has a duty to protect it from rivals."

The spokeswoman added that the ancient six and two-thirds mile exclusion zone referred to the distance a trader was deemed to be able to travel from home, sell for eight hours, then return in a single day.