Coleford's market day 'just brilkliant'

THE first of a series of regular farmers' markets planned for four Forest towns opened in Coleford on Friday and was a success from the start.

"It was a superb day – just brilliant," said Forest food writer Kate de Selincourt, who had helped to organise the event.

"There were lots of stallholders including some I didn't know. I think many of them were starting to sell out by the early afternoon, which was wonderfully encouraging."

Fine weather saw hundreds of people in the town centre and there was a terrific atmosphere, said co-organiser Alison Childs.

"I was delighted to see it going so well," she said. It was very encouraging for the town's next farmers' market planned for October 12 – the second Friday of each month could become its regular 'spot' – and for planned markets in Cinderford, Lydney and Newent.

The other three towns may get their markets early next year – a lead-in time of around six months was needed in Coleford to settle planning issues and prepare the infrastructure, including the purchase of covered stalls and providing electricity for chiller units.