THE idea of bringing a local produce market to Looe has moved a step closer with the Harbour Commissioners virtually giving the initiative the thumbs up at a meeting last Friday.
They feel the fish market would be an ideal site and would give an alternative use for the area with another form of revenue coming in to help with the upkeep of the harbour as a whole.
Commissioner Colin Cotton said the idea has been agreed in principal at two meetings when the matter has been discussed, and it would be fair to say that the board was wholly in favour. Only one reservation was expressed by commissioner Stuart Farman, who wanted to be certain that no large producers could come along and monopolise the market.
Mr Cotton said he felt the concept was brilliant and would bring more people into Looe. 'If held on a Saturday it would not affect the fish landings and auction, and it would give the harbour another string to its bow' he said. 'The suggestion is that it be held once in every two weeks but as far as I am concerned it should be every week, all year round, and the sooner the better. Mr Cotton said a good timescale would be from 12 noon until 4pm in the afternoon and a charge of about £10-£15 per stall.
Caradon's Countryside Officer, Martin Eddy, who is co-ordinating the idea of local produce markets, presently identifying Callington and Looe, and the re-siting of one presently at Liskeard's Mole Valley Farmers, says he is delighted with the Commissioners enthusiastic response. ' I hope to speak to them soon' he said.
Mr Eddy says the markets are an excellent idea because as the producers come within a 30 mile limit, the money made is kept in the local economy.