Market will breathe life back into town

A LIMAVADY based businessman is hoping to breathe life back into the Borough by launching the biggest market the area has seen for years.

Property Manager James Simpson is hoping to revive Roe Valley's market culture with the beginning of Limavady Farmers Market. The market is a community venture by James, who has 18 years business experience, and aims to help make fresh local produce more easily available to people in the area. A number of high profile suppliers have already been confirmed to attend the market with even more expressing an interest. Curry Sauce NI, Mash Direct, Fresh Catch Donegal and Northern Ireland's Chocolicious are just some of the big name suppliers who will be attending some of the Limavady events, with James also emphasising the importance of local producers.

James says: "Limavady is a market town and it's a shame that this has slipped away over the years but the hope we have with Limavady Farmers Market is that it will breathe life back into the borough, whose businesses have suffered greatly over the last few years.

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"Currently we are aiming for ten gazebos, each full with local produce to be present at the Farmers Market. If the demand is there we will move up to 20. "

James continues: "We are not only hoping to attract people to the borough but support our local producers as well as the local economy. Not only have we contacted some of the big name suppliers throughout Northern Ireland, but we are also in contact with local businesses and food producers also."

A number of locations and dates have already been confirmed for the event, which will begin as a once-a-month event. .

James adds: "Farmers' Markets are good for the environment and good for the local economy. They reduce food miles which is the distance travelled from farm to fork, saving energy and cutting pollution. They keep money circulating in the local economy and help provide a livelihood for farmers and producers and they help build links between producers and consumers, so that shoppers can have confidence in the food they buy, and sellers can get direct feedback on the food they offer."

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James, who says the idea of the Farmers Market would not have been possible without the help of colleague Erica O'Neill, says there are hopes to bring the travelling market to the borough's main tourist hot spots during the peak season.

James added: "In Benone there are no nearby shops supplying the fresh types of produce we are planning to sell. Tourists travel from all over Ireland to stay at Benone and use their facilities. The market would be without a doubt a benefit to those facilities and would be a big hit amongst those staying there.

"This is a great way to give back to the ratepayers of the town, who are paying for the upkeep of these great beauty spots but get nothing back."

James concludes: "We have had great support from the community on our venture including that of local councillors and Limavady Borough Council. If anyone is interested in learning more about the Farmers Market, including the possibility of renting a stall they can contact me or Erica on 02877767070, by email on [email protected] or visit the website on www.limavadyfarmersmarket.co.uk"

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Confirmed dates and locations of Limavady Farmer's Market: 27th March – Limavady Borough Council Staff car park, 24th April Limavady Borough Council Staff car park, 22nd May – Dungiven Castle car park, 29th May - Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre (existing old town hall) 26th June -Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre 24th July – Benone Tourist Complex car park, 31st July – Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 21st August – Benone Tourist Complex car park, 28th August – Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 25th September – Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 23rd October – Dungiven Castle car park, 30th October 2010 – Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 27th November – Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 18th December – Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre