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Published:
May 4, 2006
Exclusive:
Burnham Farmers Market to close as garden centre steps in
Burnham-On-Sea's
monthly farmers markets look set to be axed when the event moves
to Sanders Garden World later this month, we can reveal.
Just
a couple of months after the farmers markets in Highbridge were
scrapped, a similar fate is now hanging over Burnham's event.
In
a move that is likely to frustrate town traders, Burnham-On-Sea.com
learns the markets will be held at the Brent Knoll garden centre
instead.
The
first event will be held at the centre on May 18th, followed by
further markets on June 15th and July 29th.
Town
Centre Manager Anne-Marie Spalding said this week: "I have
spoken with the organisers, Somerset Farmers Markets, who say
they don't feel the event is viable any longer in Burnham."
"They
have had difficulties getting enough stallholders and feel the
long-term enthusiasm is just not there."
She
added that talks are ongoing with various other organisations
in an affort to save the market.
A
statement on the Somerset Farmers Markets web site says of the
new arrangement: "This is a new venture between us and Sanders
Garden World. It will take place on the third Thursday of each
month. We expect to have about 20 stallholders there."
Former
Mayor Cllr Louise Parkin said: "It's a crying shame that
both Highbridge and Burnham are losing viable business opportunities
in their town centres."
Last
month, Burnham-On-Sea.com reported how the April Farmer's Market
in Burnham had been cancelled because of a lack of stallholders.
RELATED
LINKS:
April
Farmers Market cancelled in Burnham-On-Sea
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