PLANS for a regular farmers' market in Settle have been welcomed by farming officials.

The proposals have been put forward by Settle Town Council's markets committee and are still in their preliminary stages.

However, the plan is to run a farmers' market on a Saturday in the Market Place.

At a meeting of the council this week, Coun Peter Thornber explained: "We're looking at these markets as a way of going back to the way markets used to be.

"We want to offer fresh produce and quality produce," he continued.

"From the point of view of many customers they will know where this food has come from. It will also act in a way to support the local farming community."

Over recent years the Herald has covered numerous stories about farmers being forced to diversify their operations to stay afloat.

And late last year we featured a story on five local farmers who have formed an initiative called Natural Dales Lamb to sell their lamb direct to customers in Craven.

At the moment, a market is only held in Settle on Tuesdays, although the Market Place has been used on Saturdays for charity and special events.

Coun Thornber said he had received good feedback from National Farmers' Union officials about the idea for a farmers' market, while local farmers had indicated they would be keen to participate in the events.

Coun Beth Graham told members it was important to make it clear what kind of market was wanted.

"We do not want to give carte blanche to everything which is made in a rural setting," she said.

Coun Thornber added: "We are obviously looking for local suppliers - farm produce and farm diversification."

Members agreed to explore the idea further and the matter will be discussed again at an emergency meeting of the market committee on Tuesday, February 15.

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