Profile image for philmcm

The organisers of Wiltshire Farmers Market http://tinyurl.com/6a7gybb have indicated that they would be interested in running a market in Melksham if we can help them find somewhere to locate it. I'm not familiar with the back story behind this, but I rather suspect they've tried before and fallen foul of council red tape (maybe car parks can't be used because of the impact on the significant revenue stream the increased charges generate; maybe the market place can't be used because buses need somewhere to turn around now the town centre is permanently closed - I honestly don't know). It shouldn't be too difficult to come up with ideas for somewhere a few artisan food stalls might be set up on a regular basis though, and the introduction can only be good for Melksham, its people and its traders alike (increased footfall and all that). How about having some stalls lined up along some of the extra wide pavements we seem to be having foisted upon us in the town centre? Or how about in the grounds of the one of the larger properties located close to the town - the Melksham United Church front lawn springs to mind, as does Melksham House (and no I'm not looking at you, Wellhouse, since although the front lawns of the lovely Manor there in Spa Road would be ideal I'm very aware you have a business to run and parking needs to be available!). There must be somewhere though? Anyone?

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By philmcm at 10:39 on 09/06/11

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  • Profile image for sashahes

    What @WiltshireFarmersMarket said: "Not enough support, traders bit making any money at all. Shame really as we know the potential is there. Maybe you could set up a debate ! " It would be a great idea to have a farmers' market either in the market square or, as Phil says, down those extra-wide pavements that have caused the town centre to cose down again!

    By sashahes at 10:51 on 09/06/11

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  • Profile image for Well House Consultants

    Why not invite them along on the food festival day - something to really pull more people to that?

    By Well House Consultants at 20:50 on 09/06/11

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  • Profile image for sashahes

    Good thinking Well House, I will suggest to Pam.

    By sashahes at 09:04 on 10/06/11

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  • Profile image for Richard G Wiltshire Ltd

    Thanks Phil for the information about the interest in a revived Farmers Market in Melksham. I've put the item on a Town Council meeting agenda for 7pm 27-6-11, perhaps someone would be able to attend to support this.

    Last year a market was run in the Assembly Hall and surrounding area. The market operator and the town hall discussed, with Wiltshire Council's Marktets Manager, the possibility of using the Market Place under town's historic Market Charter. Progress was made but regretably the market operator pulled out, this new interest could easily carry this forward.

    Richard Wiltshire
    Melksham Town Councillor

    By Richard G Wiltshire Ltd at 12:19 on 16/06/11

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