URBAN Eastleigh could be set for a "countryside invasion" with the introduction of a series of farmers' markets.

The move is seen as a way of boosting the vitality and viability of the town centre as well as being of benefit to the farming community.

Civic chiefs will be asked to clear the way for farmers' markets to be established in the railway town on a trial basis.

In a report due to go to the borough council's Eastleigh local area committee today, members will be told that the concept of farmers' markets is becoming increasingly popular and are helping to bring in more shoppers.

Pointing to the success of three pilot markets held in neighbouring Winchester last year, Eastleigh's head of property services, John Gregory, said: "By the third market in September 13,000 people - including children and families - visited.

"Most people came from the Winchester area, but the market also attracted people from Eastleigh, Southampton and Portsmouth and new visitors to the area.

"The market attracted 58 farmers and growers who travelled up to 50 miles to take part and average takings per farmer worked out at £500."

Criteria for participation by farmers is that products are grown, reared, baked or caught in Hampshire or within ten miles of the border.

Mr Gregory's report adds that the markets are valued by the farming community and, in some cases, have saved farmers from going out of business.

"For consumers, the market brings fresh seasonal products and the opportunity to meet the producer. In the Winchester pilot the market was held on a Sunday and those businesses which opened reported an increase in takings of 30 per cent over the previous year."

Now, Eastleigh councillors are being asked to sound the all-clear for Mr Gregory to negotiate to set up a programme of markets on a weekday in Eastleigh town centre for a 12-month trial period.

The Eastleigh Town Centre Group has already discussed and backed the move and town centre manager Dennis Chandler told the Daily Echo: "It is an exciting venture.

"It brings several benefits - more people are attracted to the town, it assists local farmers and it also has an educational process in that the public can discuss with farmers the issues they hear and read about.

"I think it is way for the town centre to be able to offer something different."

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