It’s a lovely picture isn’t it? Taken on Saturday 7th August – the last farmers’ market day in the town centre – it shows the hustle and bustle, the sheer vitality that the market brings to the town.
All was not well on that Saturday, however. At about 7am, as the market traders were setting up for a busy day, they were all given a letter from Stafford Borough Council. The letter told them that the market was too big and that – because of fire regulations – it was going to have to be reduced in size. The letter stated that, from September’s market, pitches would be allocated in this order:
- Food and drink
- Plants
- All other commodities (basically, arts and crafts).
Food and drink traders were told in the letter that they will definitely be allocated a stall, although they may have to share their pitch or reduce the size of their stalls.
The letter understandably produced anger and confusion on the day. In fact, an impromptu petition opposing the development garnered over 100 signatures. Many non-food traders felt they were being pushed out. They were angry at the lack of consultation and a potentially major blow to their businesses.
One of the huge strengths of Stone farmers’ market is its diversity. Yes, you can get some of the best bread, kippers, meat and umpteen other items, but non-food traders add so much to the market. It would be a real shame to see them go and for the market to be chopped.
Stafford Borough Council, which manages the market, and Stone Town Council are in discussions to come up with a solution. But they’re running out of time. The next market is on Saturday 4th September, just a fortnight away. The farmers’ market has been a fixture of the town since 2005 and its amazing growth and success is something we should all be proud of.
Let’s just hope that the market can continue to prosper.
Log on to the excellent Stafford Direct here to read the discussion about Stone farmers’ market.
Photos by Julie Sorrell – thanks Julie! See lots more of her excellent Stone photos on Flickr here
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4 comments
Julie
The variety and bustle of the crowded market is what makes it special, in my opinion – it has far more character that way. I love the craft stalls – the man who makes the bird tables, the lady with the duck sculptures, the hand-made soaps – all of these complement the food & drink stalls perfectly. I would be very sad to see the number of stalls diminish. I find it disappointing the way the change appears to have been communicated to the stallholders with no prior consultation.
Jamie
Hi Julie. Thanks very much. I agree – the craft and art stalls add so much to the market. It would be a real shame to see them go. It’s really encouraging to see traders like Big socks taking a stand on this.
Big socks
If Stafford Borough don’t get this sorted I’m calling in the ASI and related professional bodies to examine the case. I’m too old to mess about like this and have done too many things.
Stone Town Council have been excellent, are excellent and are sane, genuine human beings .
I love this market and the traders, and hell, I’m too old to do kickboxing anymore but I really do enjoy a good legal scrap if comes down to it. Spent 1 year leaning what to on ropes , will come in handy.
Not letting this go.
Jamie
Hi there. Many thanks for your comment. It’s great to hear that Stone Town Council have been supportive. I wish you and all the other traders the very best of luck. Keep us posted on developments by commenting here or sending us an email to alittlebitofstone@gmail.com