A FARMERS' market in the centre of Wimborne is facing legal action from its main rival.

Dorset Farmers' Market has put up stalls on the second Saturday of each month in Mill Lane for almost seven months.

The market attracts around 12 traders selling fresh meat and produce and has proved popular with Wimborne people.

But the Mill Lane market is facing an injunction from Ensors, the company behind the long-established Wimborne Market near Station Road and the Riverside Park industrial estate. Solicitors for Ensors say the firm has a legal right to be the only market within a radius of just over six miles.

The claim to an exclusive franchise is based on Ensors' continual operation of a market in Wimborne since 1850, say its legal advisors.

But Keith Bates, a director of Dorset Farmers' Market and the manager of its Wimborne enterprise, disputes the claim and has promised to fight an injunction.

"They have allowed a market to go on at the Allendale Centre for years and years. We had a market in the Corn Market with the approval of the town council," said Mr Bates.

"We intend to carry on with our market. We can't see any reason why they would want to stop it," he added.

Solicitors for Dorset Farmers' Market said Ensors' action appeared to be a challenge to free enterprise and might be seen as a restrictive practice.

A spokesman for Ensors confirmed that the company was seeking an injunction, but would not comment further.

The Mill Lane market is due to be held again on April 12.