PLANS for setting up a new street market in the town are to be explored in Fordingbridge.

The idea was discussed during a meeting of Fordingbridge Town Council in the town hall.

Wendy Reid, who is part of a Facebook group called Fordingbridge Greener Living, which gives residents a forum to share ideas about how to become more sustainable in day-to-day life, spoke about their ideas for the town including a local produce market.

She said: “We would just like to give people, who are local, the opportunity to come and sell their herbs, vegetables, strawberries, their soap that they are making and actually have that happening in the community throughout the summer months.”

She said Fordingbridge Greener Living would be happy to work with the town council to bring the initiative forward, adding: “We want it to be as local as possible.”

The meeting heard the idea of a street market had previously been discussed in January 2018 and the proposed location had been at Roundhill.

Councillor Malcolm Adams raised concerns that it could affect other traders in the town and depending on how it developed there could be “downsides” to it.

But Councillor Brian Perkins said it would bring more people into the town.

Councillor Anstey said the council could “put out the feelers” to look at the impact of having a street market in the town

The council agreed to pursue the idea of a street market and set up a working group.

Fordingbridge Greener Living hopes to explore other initiatives to make Fordingbridge more sustainable in the future such as a community composting scheme, a repair cafe where people can learn how to repair certain items, and a clothes swap as well as setting up a community fridge.

The group has already started a crisp packet recycling scheme in the town.

It is holding its first meeting on Wednesday, May 23. Anyone wishing to find out more can join the group on Facebook.