CAMPBELTOWN’S farmers’ market will not take place on Saturday after Argyll and Bute Council withdrew permission for the use of Burnside Square.
The organisers are now hoping to find a new, compromise, venue for August.
A letter dated June 11, to Katie Ritchie, secretary of Argyll Country Market from Alison Younger, the area manager for the council said that local councillors had met with Campbeltown Trading Association to discuss the loss of car parking when the market is held. The letter said: ‘The local councillors have determined that they wish the council to withdraw its consent for the market to operate from Burnside Square on the monthly Saturday programme.’
Campbeltown Trading Association has stressed to The Courier that the last thing its members wants is to see the market close.
On our letters page this week traders chairwoman Marjorie Brown says that car parking was the main issue, as they have been campaigning for years for improvements.
‘The most serious concern of the moment is the closure of businesses in the town centre leaving shops empty and we would welcome any ideas to alleviate this,’ she said.
Katie Ritchie said how disappointed the market organisers and stall holders were.
‘They must be the only council in Scotland to withdraw permission for a market to trade in a town centre,’ she said, adding that the alternatives offered were out of the town centre.
The market will be held instead on Saturday at the Tarbert Seafood Festival and will continue as usual on the second Saturday of the month in Lochgilphead.
