More support needed for market to secure its future in Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth

All three markets have been running for some years, but this week Roye Staines, East Suffolk Country Markets advisor, said to continue trading more producers were needed as well as more customers to buy their wide variety of products.

'We need those people who are interested in home-cooked goods, locally made with local produce and low food miles,' she said.

'Most importantly we need new producers who enjoy cooking, vegetable, plant and flower growers, and of course people who love crafting. At the markets we welcome each week our loyal band of customers, who come and buy our products and meet their friends for a chat over tea or coffee – but others are needed to come and join them.'

The Bungay market is held at the community centre in Upper Olland Street each Thursday from 9.15am to 11am, the Beccles one is at the Quaker Meeting House in Smallgate on Fridays from 9.30 to 11am, and the Halesworth one is held at St Mary's Church Hall at Steeple End on Fridays from 10am to 11am.

All are run as co-operatives selling homemade cakes, savouries, ready meals, preserves, home grown seasonal vegetables and fruit, free range eggs, and handmade crafts, from cards to wood turning.

Mrs Staines said at Bungay they also had the benefit of fresh meat from a local small holder, an excellent range of pork, lamb and beef products. Beccles is well-known for its coffee, cake and scones, and at Halesworth customers enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while choosing which range of fresh vegetables to buy.

The markets have become part of community life. The Bungay one began life many years ago as the Bungay WI District Market, and flourished for many years under that name, meeting on market day in the town. Halesworth and Beccles markets have also evolved to their present form and draw producers and customers in from a wide area.

Anyone customers or producers who would like to find out more can contact Mrs Staines on 01986 781267.