Hunt launched to find farmers' market site

From the archive, first published Tuesday 2nd May 2000.

A new farmers' market is on the cards for a town but only if a venue can be found.

Didcot town centre manager Vic Clinch said the first market was unlikely to be held until next year.

Mr Clinch said there was not enough space at the town's Market Place for farmers' stalls to run alongside the regular Friday and Saturday market traders.

He said: "The alternative could be to hold a farmers' market at the Civic Hall which is fully booked out until next year."

Chamber of Commerce president David Hawkins said members supported the idea of a market selling locally-produced goods. He said: "We are not in favour of holding it at the Civic Hall because it could end up taking business away from the town centre."

Mr Clinch added that the farmers' market in Thame and other places had attracted more people to the area which benefited shopkeepers and existing market stallholders.

He said: "Customers do not come to farmers' markets to buy cheap produce the emphasis is on quality and freshness rather than cut-price sales.

"Many customers visit farmers' markets because they wish to support local producers and encourage environmentally and welfare-friendly farming systems."

Archive Home