Stallholders at Hampshire's farmers markets are on the verge of revolt after a High Court ruling that a farmer was unfairly banned.

They are threatening a vote of no confidence in the board of directors that runs Hampshire Farmers Market Limited (HMFL).

Winchester is the biggest of the weekend markets held across the county which are among the most successful and prosperous in the country.

But stallholders are angry at the way Graham Beer, who runs Hammer Trout Farm in Liphook, was barredand say it is time for a change of leadership.

One regular stallholder, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "What is being fairly strongly strongly mooted now is a vote of no confidence in the directors.

"Overall the feeling is that this was typical of the high-handed attitude of the board. There are cliques and favourites and that is unprofessional."

He said Mr Beer met all the criteria for running a stall at the farmers market.

"He is local to Hampshire, he is a small farmer, he has a good product which the market needs."

Yet he was banned because he helped run the Southern Farmers Market Association which holds week-day markets.

"The whole thing we feel was intended to intimidate producers which it has donethere is no doubt about it. People feel if they put their heads above the sandbags they will be shot off. It is dangerous to make open comment."

He said stallholders, who are shareholders in HMFL, were worried about its future and being exposed unnecessarily to legal costs and hefty claims for compensation from Mr Beer.

Another stallholder, who also asked not to be named, said: "Graham's treatment was very, very unfair. The biggest problem was that the decision was taken behind closed door without consultation.

"To take away someone's livelihood because he helps run another farmers' market is out of order.

"Most stallholders are supportive of Graham in private but are frightened to speak out publicly because of the fear they may be chucked off the market and lose their livelihood. They are really scared."

Hampshire Farmers Market Ltd declined to comment further.