Plans to set up a farmers' market in Braintree look to be faltering after an appeal for local farmers brought no response.

An advertisement was published in the National Farmers' Union Regional Journal to try to gauge interest in a market after the idea had been put forward by the Town Centre Strategy Group.

But when the group met yesterday (Wednesday), members were given an update in a letter by Sarah Moutard, Braintree Council's community service manager, which said there had so far been no interest at all.

Mrs Moutard said: "Given the fact that the Evening Gazette reported the feasibility study so comprehensively following the last meeting, I was interested to note that we didn't get any calls from local farmers wanting to know more."

The members of the group were unanimous in lamenting the lack of interest.

Nigel Thorogood said: "I just find it sad that we don't seem to be able to encourage any interest because the interest in farmers' markets nationally is certainly gaining."

He showed a national newspaper report which highlighted the growth of farmers' markets and in particular focused on the one at neighbouring Witham.

But with no response so far to Braintree's market, the group felt the plans would probably have to be sidelined.

Group member Derek Salmon said: "I think it is on the back burner, not exactly boiling away."

Brian Cutmore said: "We can't do any more unless we have got interest from people."

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