Fresh storm over market

Local farmers fear they may be pushed out by traders selling goods from outside the area. They are now campaigning for local growers to take control of the market.

It was saved from closure by LSD Promotions when the numbers of stalls began to dwindle.

Andrew Keysell, a local producer and chairman of the Worcestershire Farmers Market Group, is calling for support from members of Wyre Forest District Council.

Town Centre Partnership officials recently announced that the market had been saved when LSD Promotions stepped in to take over its running from E G Skett & Co when its future was under threat.

But Mr Keysell, who farms cattle, sheep and pigs, said he was concerned that the market would now be allowed to sell items from much further afield including coffee beans from abroad.

"The whole ethos of farmers markets is that producers should live within a 30-mile radius but if an item cannot be sourced in that area the boundary can be extended to 50 miles.

"Worcestershire Farmers Market Group would like to run this market. Previously shoppers have known that producers are local and that it has been a true Farmers Market."

LSD director Dermot McGillicuddy said the markets in November and December would see extra stalls selling associated traditional crafts and that the voluntary association had imposed rules which proved too restrictive.

Mr Keysell said he had contacted the council to discuss the future of the market.

By Sue Smith