There are fears that the Cupar farmers’ market will be forced to return to its original site after a three-month trial came to an end.
The popular event, on the third Saturday of every month, was moved from a corner of the Bonnygate Car Park to the main retail street of Crossgate in August. The new location proved to be a hit with visitors and market traders.
Despite this, Fife Council has told organisers a fee of £600 would be needed each month if they intend to continue with their pitch on Crossgate. The authority says this is required to fund the costs of closing the busy road when the market is held.
Market co-ordinator Jimmy Wilson says this figure is unaffordable.
“If we were to pay this it would mean charging the stall-holders so much more that it would not be in their interest to continue. In fact, we would have the highest stall fees in Scotland.
“We would like to see the market stay in Crossgate, but it’s just not possible.”
Many of those who attend the event claim to have noticed an increase in visitor numbers to the market and town. Local councillor Bryan Poole says the new location has been good for the town’s image.
“Cupar is a market town and we need to make sure there is a market here in the centre of town,” said Mr Poole. “It would be tragic if we had to move the market away from the Crossgate, where everybody has felt it has been a wonderful success.
“I hope we can find a solution, even if it means using some money from the locality budget on a temporary basis until something more permanent can be found.”
These views were backed by the venison retailers Fletchers of Auchtermuchty, which has a presence at the market. General manager Vikki Banks said trade had increased since the start of the trial.
“It definitely did, and I am hopeful that the market will continue to operate from the Crossgate,” she said.
The chairman of Cupar Community Council, Canon Pat McInally, has indicated that he would be very disappointed if the market was to go back to its old site.
“It has been very successful on the Crossgate,” he said. “I would like to see Fife Council pick up this cost,” he added.
“From what I understand it is more of a paper exercise anyway, with one department asking another department to take the money out from their budget.”