A 'TERRIFIC' success — that's the verdict on the pilot farmers' market held on Bedford Square last month.

The market, arranged by environmental group WestDEN, was evaluated after the event by a member of the Market Research Society.

The survey investigated the effect of the market on the town, and shoppers' and traders' attitudes.

A 'thumbs-up' came from shoppers, with 60 per cent visiting Tavistock specifically for the market. Of those, 88 percent visited other shops and 78 per cent visited the pannier market.

Only 13 per cent of town traders and in the Aladdin's Cave in the pannier market reported a negative impact on business, with most being in the bric-a-brac trade.

More than 95 per cent of those surveyed felt the farmers' market was a positive asset for Tavistock, and everyone felt Bedford Square was a good location.

Richard Phillips, an organic farmer from Grenofen and member of the working group which organised the event, said: 'I was very pleased with the success of the day — I think the results speak for themselves, it was terrific.'

Mr Phillips, who is also a borough councillor, said it was 'essential' to help a rural economy in 'dire straits'.

'Anything that can be done to assist farmers, add value to their produce and bring money back into the economy has to be good,' he said.

WestDEN will now form a management group to arrange future farmers' markets.

Results of the survey were forwarded to the town council this week — councillors also heard many people wrote in support of the pilot, though they criticised the council's decision to charge stallholders.

Cllr Ken Sanders said members made a £7.20 charge per stall so traders in the pannier market would not be disadvantaged.

'In effect we charged £7.20 for nothing, because we provided nothing. The £10 charged by WestDEN was for providing stalls. The least we could do is provide them with similar facilities — £10 plus £7.20 to my mind is excessive,' said Cllr Sanders.

At Tuesday's meeting he proposed the council become 'more pro-active' and suggested a meeting with WestDEN.

Cllr Roger Mathew said councillors should be encouraged by the positive response.

'It has been proved to be successful so let's be open and responsive to WestDEN if they want to run another one,' he said.

But mayor Judith Williams was still sceptical: 'I am always surprised when I get a document with no negative comments — there were people that were not happy on that day.'

She said a farmers' market was held every Friday in the pannier market and suggested farmers who wanted to trade on a regular basis should take the opportunity to use it.

The council agreed that Cllr John Wright and Cllr Sanders should meet WestDEN to discuss future markets.