Farmers' market boost for Great Harwood (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Farmers' market boost for Great Harwood

8:00pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News By Emma Cruces, Reporter

A MONTHLY farmers’ market could bring a town square to life if a trial event is a success The bid to host a farmers’ market in Towngate, Great Harwood, is the brainchild of a local business and has now received the backing of Hyndburn Council.

Following the success of four annual markets at Gaskells Motor Bodies in Alan Ramsbottom Way, the business decided it could make a regular attraction right in the centre of the town.

Hyndburn Council is hoping the event will raise cash for charities while providing a chance for local traders to boost their business.

The council is hoping to see local food producers get involved in a trial event on Sunday.

If it is a success it could become a regular attraction in Great Harwood.

Clare Pritchard, cabinet member for markets, said: “Gaskells have done a fantastic job of providing a service to local people and raising money for charity.

“We want local shops and producers to get involved if possible, with traders like butchers in particular, in demand. We are really pleased they are going to work with us.

“Working together we hope to generate more footfall in the centre of Great Harwood and encourage people from the locality and wider region to come and visit.”

Gaskells have already featured four popular farmers markets on their premises.

Nick Gaskell from the firm said it will continue at their own premises but they also hope to see a regular Towngate market take off each month on a Sunday. He said: “We started this as a way to promote ourselves and get more involved in the community. It was soon clear that it was something people really liked and it draws people in.”

The Farmers’ Market will feature a range of locally-produced products. The cost to rent a stall will be £10 and all the money will go to charity.

For more details, call Rob Grigorjevs, town centre manager, on 01254 380980.

About farmer's markets

• 48 per cent of people surveyed believe farmers’ markets have a vital role to play in the survival of British farming and visit them whenever possible
• 62 per cent of people surveyed are concerned about supermarkets squeezing out British farmers and food producers
• 36 per cent of people surveyed seek out independent or locally sourced food
• Up to 60 jobs were created thanks to the recent emergence of farmers markets in Cumbria and North Lancashire
• Ramsbottom Farmers’ Market has enjoyed an ongoing success and overwhelming public response
• Ribble Valley event, the Bowland Farmers’ Market, is held at Browsholme Hall on the first Sunday of the month, excluding January.
• The first Farmers’ Market in Grimsargh was held in Spring 2006, as a fund-raising event for the Village Hall