PROPOSED Helston night markets may have to be slashed from eight dates to just four, after opposition from bus company First.

Originally set to take place every Wednesday from July 18 to September 12, the plan was for the markets to run from midday until 10pm at night with Coinagehall Street - a main bus route - closed from 10am until midnight each Wednesday.

First has opposed the application for the main route to be closed on the basis that two of the town's main bus stops lie in the street.

Town manager Jonathan Birkett told town councillors the bad news on Thursday, which was met with audible sighs from many.

Mr Birkett, who is behind the initiative, said: “We have to look at changing the number of night markets from eight to four or five, because our initial application has been contested by First. As a group and as a town council we want to listen to the points and concerns raised.

“The whole idea with this new market was to promote something that ideally we can get right. Then we can look at the areas which work and which don't and get a model that we can use time and time again.”

Designed to support Helston businesses while reinvigorating Helston as the market yown it once was, the night markets may now only be held for four weeks in the summer.

Town centre-based businesses will be offered a free pitch while out-of-town art and craft traders will be charged a nominal £10 pitch fee.

The town council's amenities committee agreed in April to spend £15,000 on 30 stalls for the markets planned for Coinagehall Street and another £3,000 per year on storage.

Although dates and times have not been finalised, Mr Birkett is still confident the night markets will get off the ground despite concerns that First may again oppose the amended proposal.