Bovey Tracey Community Forum Farmers' and Producers' Market will be held for the last time on Saturday, September 9. One of the longest-running farmers' and producers' markets, it was set up five years ago during the foot and mouth crisis, and has been held on a Saturday every other week. For much of that time it was a great success with as many as 16 stalls set up in The Square, but latterly it has dwindled to five. Market co-ordinator Cllr Tina Richardson, who has been working overtime to try to attract stall-holders, said it was very sad. 'It is just not viable to run it any more. Several have gone to other bigger markets at Plymouth and Exeter. 'We had a good committee to start with, but that too dwindled. I appealed a year ago for help and no-one came forward,' she said. A businesswoman and Bovey Tracey town councillor, Mrs Richardson – who ran a cake stall at the market – praised the last of the traders who had stood by the fortnightly event. 'I would like to thank them all for their efforts. We stood out in all weathers, including rain, wind and snow,' she said. Cllr Richardson also thanked Louise Poulson, of the Cottage Tearooms, as well as other members of the committee for their help. The farmers' market originally came about through the community forum via Teignbridge Council and the then Agenda 21. The government wanted residents to join in running their towns and villages and when the town council carried out a survey, one of the things people asked for was a farmers' market. 'It was a community-run market and was voluntary. The committee helped to make the stalls,' said Mrs Richardson. Now the stalls, sheets, along with a horsebox they are stored in, will go up for sale, and anyone interested should contact Cllr Richardson on 01626 835363. As a councillor, she will continue helping to organise the town's Christmas lights in liaison with the town council. Town mayor Cllr George Gribble said many residents had used the market and it was disappointing it was closing.
