NEWENT Town Council has declined to fund the Forest of Dean Farmers' Market for one more year, with councillors pointing out that the £1,000 granted for 2002/2003 was believed to be a start-up sum.

Discussing the grant application at this week's council meeting, the mayor Fred Passant said: "This is not a budget item for 2003/2004. I propose we express surprise that they are asking us for more money."

Coun Len Lawton said: "I thought it was supposed to be self-funding."