TRADERS who have previously attended the withdrawn Okehampton produce market are to be invited to take a stand in the council?s own market.
The produce market ? a spin off from the successful farmers? market ? was due to be held on February 1. However, the scheduled event was cancelled due to a ?certification? problem.
Several traders travelled to Okehampton unaware the first-Saturday-of-the-month event had been called off. Having turned up they decided to stay and find some spare space in the ordinary market.
Previously, produce market co-ordinator Derek Godfrey-Brown had said the event ? launched in October ? was technically bound by rules which control certification because it is a member of the National Association of Farmers? Markets. He said it would be relaunched in April.
But members of Okehampton Town Council?s properties committee meeting last week expressed concern over the sudden loss of the produce market.
Town mayor Christine Marsh said there were no restrictions on the ordinary market and felt it could absorb any produce traders wishing to take part.
Town clerk Don Bent said he felt this ?could help in the council?s endeavours to revitalise the market?.
It was agreed to write to the traders informing them there were vacancies and encourage them to come along.