Farmers' market closure

The cost of renting St Martha's Church Hall, Little Common, recently rose by 25%, on top of an increase two years ago of 23%, making it financially impossible for the market to survive.

Organiser and founder of the Famers' Market Cllr Stuart Wood said: "We are all feeling the financial situation badly but we have to be realistic. I can't keep putting the charge of the stalls up."

Stuart believes he has found a solution. For a trial period from July-September the Little Common market will be held in Parkhurst Hall, Bexhill, on the second Thursday of the month.

This makes two farmers' markets each month in the hall on Parkhurst Road, as the Little Common market joins that of Bexhill, held on the fourth Thursday of the month.

The Bexhill market was begun seven years ago by Stuart. Due to demand, he created a second market in Little Common four years later.

At first the Little Common market outsold Bexhill, but since Christmas demand has steadily decreased, despite healthy amounts of stalls regularly turning out.

Stuart said: "I think the financial situation is affecting people more than we realise. Wearing my other hat, the trips I do for the Horticultural Society, this is the first year I've not got my coaches full.

"The older generation have gone through times when times are hard. They may be wondering what's around the corner and wondering if they need to save their money."

Stuart remains optimistic that lower hire charges in Parkhurst Hall coupled with a more frequent pattern of market days will help the local market thrive.