Stowmarket: Business views sought on plans for new country market
The market place in Stowmarket - Credit: Archant
A NEW country market could be making its way onto the streets of a Suffolk town to boost shopper numbers.
The market would be in Stowmarket offering the chance for independent traders to sell home-grown produce including food and arts and crafts goods.
A survey is going to business owners in Stowmarket to get their views on the idea.
Janet Pearson, one of organisers behind the project, said: “A group of us are looking at it. There used to be a country market in Stowmarket a couple of years ago and we are looking at getting one going again.
“At the moment we are in the process of doing the feasibility study and market research.
“The whole idea of them is to provide an outlet for individuals to sell their home-made produce. It’s not a sell-on market, it will be nearly all home-made produce – bakery goods, preservatives, arts and crafts, honey – any smallholdings.
“I think country markets are generally a very good thing – they allow individuals to use their skills and make a little bit of income on a part-time basis.”
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She said the market would be on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Country markets already exist throughout Suffolk including in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Eye and Southwold.
Stowmarket holds a bi-weekly market and monthly farmers’ market.
Daniel Harvey, public services manager for Stowmarket Town Council, said the farmers’ market had seen an improvement in the number of stallholders. He said: “I think it’s doing a little bit better but it’s still not up to the level that we would like. We are developing some ideas that we are thinking about but they are not particularly advanced at this stage.”
To contact Ms Pearson about the country market email janet@willowcottage.me.uk
