Stallholders fight to keep market open

Organisers warned the market may have to close because some stall-holders had dropped out, profits were down, and it no longer offered '˜a proper range of goods' for customers.

But the future of the market is now secure after quick-thinking stall-holders came up with some ideas to keep the market alive.

'The market is really valuable as a way to reach our customers and it's such a friendly, enjoyable event '“ a proper old village affair,' said Lucie Payton, who sells South Downs lamb, eggs and home-made cakes at the market.

'As stall-holders, we felt we had to make a stand and keep it going.

'We know the volunteer organisers have struggled to find replacements for some key stall-holders who have dropped out; but we thought we could see a way of solving the problems and re-vitalising the market.'

Slindon Farmers' Market takes place on the fourth Thursday of the month and has been running since May 2007.

Organised by village volunteers, the market seeks to offer a range of locally-grown and produced goods and aims to do something to overcome the difficulties of no longer having a village shop.

One of the village organisers, Mike Imms of Slindon, said: 'We tried to find other stall-holders, especially for local veg, but without luck.

'But when we announced the impending closure, we were startled to find we faced, in the nicest possible way, a revolt by the stall-holders.

'They've really pulled the stops out and organised a clever way of making sure we have a good range of vegetables from a local grower who can provide cut flowers, too.'

'They've also found us a fishmonger who buys fresh from the boats at Shoreham every day '“ and he'll be joining us for a trial period.

'Nevertheless, we are realistic and know that the long-term future of the market is dependent on support from shoppers from across the area.'

The next market is at Coronation Hall in Reynolds Lane, Slindon on Thursday, October 22.

It is open from 8.45am-12.30pm.