Funding keeps Cupar farmers' market in Crossgate
Cupar farmers' market is set to stay in its popular new location in the main shopping street until the end of the year thanks to temporary funding from Fife Council.
- By Gordon Berry
- Published in the Courier : 02.11.10
- Published online : 02.11.10 @ 08.50pm
There are hopes the now completed three-month trial — which saw record attendances and excellent business for the market traders — can lead to a permanent move to Crossgate from the off-street Bonnygate Car Park.
The news comes as a result of discussions involving the market co-ordinator, Fife Council officials and elected members, Cupar Futures Group's town centre co-ordinators and businesses.
Cupar Futures Group chairman councillor Margaret Kennedy said different layouts had been tried over the trial period, and there had been a good reaction from the vast majority of town centre shopkeepers.
"The stallholders had to be satisfied that a good layout could be found, and support and co-operation from shops was critical.
"Feedback was sought from everyone, and the consensus seems to be that the market should stay where it is now. There are costs involved in the temporary road closure, but Fife Council has worked closely with the farmers' market to seek solutions.
"It has offered to meet the £1000 cost of putting on the road closure until after the Christmas market. In addition, it will meet the administrative cost of extending closure for another 15 months and will provide the necessary barriers and signs free of charge on condition that the market can make arrangements for them to erected and dismantled. Power supplies are another issue as there is insufficient power in the existing lamp columns, and a metered permanent supply would have to be installed.
"The market is investigating possible funding sources for this."
The co-ordinator of Fife farmers' markets, Jimmy Wilson, said the stallholders are very pleased they have the possibility of carrying on the market in Crossgate: "I am sure that it benefits the market and we have been delighted with the numbers of people who have come along."
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