War Fallout As French Traders Banned From Farmers' Market

France yesterday felt the brunt of British rural revenge for its decision not to support the war on Iraq.

A public meeting in the south Devon market town of Newton Abbot voted not to allow visiting traders from Normandy to sell their onions, cheeses, meats and wines at special French markets. The markets had become a success in many parts of Britain.

With official support from farmers in the south-west, an open meeting held by Newton Abbot council voted against letting the overseas traders join in one of their oldest traditions. The community's right to hold markets and fairs dates from a royal charter granted in 1269.

The French visitors hold thriving fairs nearby in Exeter and Taunton. But the Newton Abbot town clerk, Rod Tuck, said: "The meeting was asked what it thought, and although it was only a straw poll, all but one of the 40 or so people there were against it.

"The decision was made against the background of the war in Iraq. There was some political feeling against France."

Welcoming the decision, Donald Arscott, the National Farmers Union south-west spokesman, said: "We do not think it is fair for the French to come over here with their markets at the moment, because they do not stick to the same hygiene and environmental conditions as we do.

"If one of our farmers set up a stall and started selling in those conditions the authorities would be down on them like a tonne of bricks.

"In addition, the French are still refusing to allow in British beef and that continues to annoy many farmers, who are important customers at market".