Regular farmers market heading to Moreton

Cotswold Markets Ltd, which runs the Tuesday market in the town, is organising a new farmer's market on the first Sunday of the month in the High Street carpark, starting on Sunday, April 6.

The market, which will run from 9.30am to 2pm, will also have a craft section and is offering a free stall every month for artists and craft people who want to try their luck at trading.

Dave Joynes, managing director of Chipping Campden-based Cotswold Markets Ltd, said they had already had 12 people come forward.

"We're hoping to attract between 20 and 30 stalls, we've had a few people come back to us already and said they were going to do it," he said. "

"Moreton has got such a good position with passing trade. You couldn't hope for a better position for the market to be.

"It will do very well in Moreton. Hopefully a few of the shops will stay open on the Sunday and take advantage of it and hopefully it will get people to stop here on their way through."

Moreton Town Council, which will decide who has the free craft stall every month, gave its full backing to the plans at Monday night's meeting.

Chairman Ali Coggins said: "We're very much looking forward to it, it will create more vitality to the town especially at the weekends.

"Anything that's there that will make tourists stop and give them a reason to come into the town is a good thing. It will certainly help the hostelries, pubs, cafes and restaurants we have around and put more money into the economy."

Kit Havelock-Davies, Chairman of Moreton Business Association, added: "I think it will be good for Moreton. We've been trying to encourage different types of markets in the town centre, hopefully it will generate more business for everybody on Sundays.

"We've got that tradition of markets in the town, we're very pleased and hope it will do well."

Anyone interested in a stall should call the Cotswold Markets office on 01386 840138. For a free craft stall call town clerk Heather Sipthorp on 01608 651448.