TAVISTOCK Farmers' Market, which has been running regularly once a month since last summer, has become so successful it is to become a fortnightly event.
The market is presently held on Bedford Square on the fourth Saturday of every month. Following a request to the town council by Tavistock Farmers' Market Association, the event will now also be held on the second Saturday of the month.
Gill Gorbutt, chairman of the association, said the increase in the number of markets would mean farmers and producers who had been on the waiting list for stalls would now have the opportunity to come to Tavistock — giving shoppers even more produce to choose from.
There are now 20 farmers and producers selling a range of locally produced foods, plants, flowers and beverages at the market.
Mrs Gorbutt said: 'We never dreamt when we set out on this project that it would be so successful.
'This time last year we were starting to plan our first full market and now it has developed into a real success story, providing a valuable asset for the town as well as benefiting local shoppers and farmers alike.'
Mrs Gorbutt said a variety of special events are also in the pipeline for future farmers' markets, all of them being centred on produce from this area or compatible products.
The next special feature will include compost bins, rainbutts and wormeries, all designed for home use and offered by Tavistock and District Conservation Project at a fraction of normal prices.
These will be available at the farmers' market held on April 27.
Cllr Ken Sanders, at last week's meeting of the town council's properties committee, was happy to back the request for extra markets.
He said: 'It's quite obvious that the farmers' market is complementary to our traders in the shops and pannier market. They are more than content to have it and if the farmers' market feel there is a need, we should facilitate it.'
Cllr Judith Williams asked if the increased use of the square by the market would clash with other events or restrict its availability for other users.
Town clerk Roger Howard said the only clash was with the West Devon Community Safety Fair on June 22, which was operating from the pannier market.
He said the two organisations were liaising, but it might mean a section of the Guildhall Square car park would have to be made available if there was not enough room on the square.
Cllr Jenny Metcalf asked that the town hall supervisor should be informed of the increased useage of the square by the farmers' market, in case it affected wedding bookings.
Cllr Peter Donkin, chairman of the committee, said these functions should not be affected by the market.
'I understand the stalls are now arranged so wedding cars can drive right up behind them,' he said.
The next farmers' market will be held on April 13.