THE seaside town of Clacton could have a monthly farmers' market again for the first time in years if a trial event this week is successful.

Annie Davidson

THE seaside town of Clacton could have a monthly farmers' market again for the first time in years if a trial event this week is successful.

Shop workers Sally Barnard and Valerie Cheek came up with the idea after noticing a fall in the number of customers coming to their Jackson Road business, the Gift Box.

The pair decided to organise a farmers' market in a bid to bring more people into the town as well as the Jackson Road area which they claimed was “overlooked”.

The market will take place on Friday from 10am-2pm on the pavement outside the shops.

Attractions include The Farm Shop from Jaywick which sells plants and vegetables, Wonky Label preserves, Galloping Chef's pie stall and Stour Valley Smoke House, with cheese and meats.

It is hoped to expand the market to a bigger site if it proves popular.

Miss Barnard said: “Clacton had a big refurbishment where they did the pavements and put the fountain in but we felt everything focused on the big shops and the little independent traders are dropping off.

“We don't get the footfall into town anymore.

“I spoke to people down Jackson Road and we agreed it would be nice to have something down here which would attract people.

“We decided to get the farmers' market together and see how it works.

“If it goes well we would like to have it once a month.”

She added Jackson Road had a number of independent retailers which were being overlooked by shoppers and feeling the on-going effects of the credit crunch.

“Everybody is finding it very, very hard and people are going out of Clacton saying there is nothing for them which is so sad,” Miss Barnard said.

“We have a lot of nice shops here like the Lemon Tree caf�, Clacton Pet Store and Jardines which sells material but I think people forget Jackson Road is here.”

There was a one-off farmers' market in the town some months ago but Miss Barnard said it had been years since it was a regular event.

Anyone wanting to take part in the market or wanting more information can contact Miss Barnard on 01255 427186.