THERE were positive comments received from the association of market traders, NMTF, recently following a visit to Holsworthy’s weekly market in the square.

After hearing so many negatives about the market in the past the mayor of Holsworthy and town council market committee chairman Jon Hutchings said ‘it was good to hear someone talk positive for a change’.

On April 12, field support officer for the NMTF Tania Murphy visited the market to assess its performance.

Ms Murphy met with the mayor and a number of stallholders to discover what they do and how the market is progressing.

Speaking about her visit, Ms Murphy said: “I met the mayor, Jon Hutchings, and two long-standing NMTF members, Paul Farelly and Laurence Squires, who have traded on the market for many years.

“It was clear to me that all three men have a real passion for the market and are working hard to preserve the tradition and culture of the market.”

Ms Murphy seemed impressed by the wide variety of things on offer at the market, she said: “Holsworthy Market not only plays host to local farmers’ fresh produce and homemade cakes, it boasts hand carved wood and awesome flavoured popcorn alongside everyday household items and necessities,

“I encourage resident of Holsworthy to embrace the community spirit and shop on their local market. Shopping on local markets boosts the local economy and supports independent business people.”

As the only national trade association for market traders in the UK, representatives from the NMTF regularly attend markets, festivals and fairs, to offer support and advice to members.

Ms Murphy added: “I look forward to visiting the market again in 12 to 18 months time to see how the market has developed and improved.”