Use empty Southend shop for farmers' market, say campaigners

11:10am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Local News

Mark Flewitt and resident Pam Farley outside the shop Mark Flewitt and resident Pam Farley outside the shop

CAMPAIGNERS want supermarket chiefs to allow them to use an empty shop for a monthly farmers’ market.

Residents in Eastwood, led by Tory councillor Mark Flewitt, have asked bosses at the Morrisons store in Western Approaches to consider handing over the keys to the neighbouring shop on a temporary basis.

The former betting office is part of a parade of shops owned by the supermarket.

Mr Flewitt said: “It seems to make sense to use it rather than leave it empty.

“A farmers’ market has already proved popular in the area and I don’t believe it would act as competition to Morrisons.

“If anything, it could draw more customers there.”

A farmers’ market already visits Southend’s High Street twice a month.

However, Mr Flewitt believes there is plenty of appetite for another event.

He estimated the former betting office could comfortably accommodate about ten to 12 stalls, selling everything from organic food to soft furnishings.

He said: “I have written to the supermarket’s management to ask if it is something they would consider doing.

“It’s imperative that any site for the market comes without disproportionate costs, and I think this could be a real chance for Morrisons to do something for the community.

“It would be much better than staring at an empty shop.”

No one from Morrisons was available for comment.

Comments (5)

11:55am Wed 9 Jan 13

madmax1 says...

As much as its a great idea why on earth would Morrisions want a competitor to set up shop on their doorstep?

Perhaps the campaigners should go and try living in Cuba or Viatnam.
As much as its a great idea why on earth would Morrisions want a competitor to set up shop on their doorstep? Perhaps the campaigners should go and try living in Cuba or Viatnam. madmax1

12:30pm Wed 9 Jan 13

Carnabackable says...

madmax1 wrote:
As much as its a great idea why on earth would Morrisions want a competitor to set up shop on their doorstep?

Perhaps the campaigners should go and try living in Cuba or Viatnam.
Surely you mean Vietnam...
[quote][p][bold]madmax1[/bold] wrote: As much as its a great idea why on earth would Morrisions want a competitor to set up shop on their doorstep? Perhaps the campaigners should go and try living in Cuba or Viatnam.[/p][/quote]Surely you mean Vietnam... Carnabackable

12:33pm Wed 9 Jan 13

madmax1 says...

Carnabackable wrote:
madmax1 wrote:
As much as its a great idea why on earth would Morrisions want a competitor to set up shop on their doorstep?

Perhaps the campaigners should go and try living in Cuba or Viatnam.
Surely you mean Vietnam...
Yes. 'Vietnam'

I'm hoping to get a job at the echo & bad spelling seems to be what they go for.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]madmax1[/bold] wrote: As much as its a great idea why on earth would Morrisions want a competitor to set up shop on their doorstep? Perhaps the campaigners should go and try living in Cuba or Viatnam.[/p][/quote]Surely you mean Vietnam...[/p][/quote]Yes. 'Vietnam' I'm hoping to get a job at the echo & bad spelling seems to be what they go for. madmax1

6:45pm Wed 9 Jan 13

jolllyboy says...

Southend should take a look at Rayleigh - it is buzzing on market day - a proper market which should be thought of separately from the international/farmer
s one that they have down the centre of southend high street.
Southend should take a look at Rayleigh - it is buzzing on market day - a proper market which should be thought of separately from the international/farmer s one that they have down the centre of southend high street. jolllyboy

9:26pm Wed 9 Jan 13

ISUPPORTSOUTHENDAIRPORT says...

Why would Morrison's agree to this when the council refused planning permission for a cafe run by Morrison's. Which would have been ideal for locals who may wish company over tea and cake etc
Why would Morrison's agree to this when the council refused planning permission for a cafe run by Morrison's. Which would have been ideal for locals who may wish company over tea and cake etc ISUPPORTSOUTHENDAIRPORT

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