PRODUCERS at Okehampton farmers? market are aiming to make a fresh start this weekend in their new home, the Market Hall. Linda Davies, of West Lake Orchard, who is a stallholder at the farmers? market, said although many producers had been unhappy about moving from their previous home in the Charter Hall, they were aiming to make the most of the switch. She said the new venue provided more room and the possibility to expand and attract new producers in the future. The farmers? market will be celebrating the move with helium balloons, pens, a raffle and by giving out food vouchers to be spent in the market, this Saturday, (January 15). The farmers? market runs on the third Saturday of every month, from 9am to 2pm. But market stallholders remain unhappy about losing a day?s trading once a month to the farmers? market. Okehampton Town Councillors have issued an invitation to all traders to a meeting following the farmers? market this Saturday, to try to discuss the possibility of shared use of the facility. Pam Powlesland, who manages the market, said: ?None of the traders are happy about losing a Saturday because of the loss of earnings. They have all got a living to make.? The town council resolved last year that markets of all kinds be held in the Market Hall with effect from January 2005.
