Summary A dispute has erupted between Britain's historic cathedral cities over Christmas market.
A row has broken out between two of Britain s most historic cathedral cities after one accused the other of trying to "steal" its Christmas shoppers.
Traders in Salisbury, Wilts, were unamused when a billboard went up in the city centre advertising a festive market in Winchester, Hants, 30 miles away.
They feared the poster - which described Winchester as "England s Christmas Capital" - would lose them valuable business.
Now they have hit back with their own market and poster - and placed it in view of thousands of commuters near Winchester s railway station.
Salisbury hopes to attract some of the 400,000 people that spend around 1.5 million pounds at the German-style market in Winchester each year.
The event - in the former capital of England - has been running in the picturesque grounds of Winchester Cathedral for six years.
An open air ice rink, live music, and wooden chalets selling a range of food and handmade gifts are said to boost sales in nearby shops by 25 per cent.
Ian Newman, chairman of Salisbury City Centre Management, hopes Salisbury s new Christmas market will help claw back some customers.
Mr Newman acknowledged Winchester were free to advertise wherever they wished and admitted they offer a "great" market.
But he added: "People who visit Christmas markets often make a day of it and spend money in other shops, cafes and restaurants.
Salisbury City Centre Management have spent 160,000 pounds on 56 chalets, which they will also be able to use in future years.
That sum includes 12,000 pounds on promoting the market out of the county, on adverts such as the one in Winchester.
Charlotte Barnaville, from Winchester Christmas Market, welcomed the competition.
The Salisbury Christmas market runs from November 29 to December 16 and the Winchester market from November 22 to December 23.
The Salisbury Christmas market website says: "The Christmas market will be made up of at least 56 pretty, cosy wooden chalets, beautifully decorated with white pea lights and festive swags, nestled among lots of twinkly real Christmas trees."
It adds: "Inspired by the best of traditional German Christmas Markets, the Salisbury Christmas Market will be tasteful and beautifully arranged, to complement the distinguished nature of many of the shops and businesses already in the city."
The Winchester website says: "Founded in 2006, the Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe.
