Last updated 09:27, Saturday, 04 October 2008

A NEW market aimed at supporting local producers and craftspeople launches in Whitehaven this week.

The farmer’s and craft market will be launched next Saturday and will be held on the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 2pm in the United Reformed Church’s main hall and car park on James Street.

It will include locally-produced fruit and vegetables, plants, eggs, baked goods, cheeses and meat, alongside chutneys, jams and preserves and hand-made chocolate.

Visitors to the market will also be able to buy jewellery, Christmas decorations, children’s clothes, dolls’ houses, household items made from recycled products, cards and calendars.

Made in Cumbria and Fairtrade products will be on sale and there will be live music as well as a café run by the church supporting a local charity.

There will also be a special Christmas Market and Fair held on December 13. The idea for the market, which is backed aided by a regeneration grant from Copeland Council, arose at a meeting of the James St Traders and has been organised by Martin Gerrish, of The Tenth Bull shop, Stephanie Masonm of the United Reformed Church, Dianne Richardson, of Whitehaven Business and Education Centre and Julie Palmer, of the Barbers Shop.

It is also supported by Carole Woodman, a co-ordinator for Egremont Farmers’ Market.

Mr Gerrish said: “We hope this market will bring some new life to the town.

“It is not only a real market with a range of goods to buy, it will support local producers and craftspeople. We all want to see Whitehaven thriving in this turbulent economic climate and this market could be one way forward.’’

For more details on the market or to book a stall, contact Martin Gerrish on 01946 61919.