JERICHO residents will soon be able to enjoy a countryside vibe in the city.

The area’s church will play host to a monthly market from next month where fresh fruit and vegetables will be available to the local community.

It will be held for the first time in St Barnabas church on Saturday, November 9 between 10am and 12.30pm.

Paul Hornby, the vice chairman of the Jericho Community Association, said: “It will be an organic market.

“We decided that the people of Jericho don’t have much access to that type of produce. The nearest farmers’ market is once a fortnight in Gloucester Green.

“We thought it would be good if this produce was brought to the people and the church is ideal for that. We are going to give it a go. Hopefully it will be a success.”

The market will be held once a month until Christmas, when it will be reviewed.

Jericho used to have a large number of corner shops but now the only shops are the two Co-ops in Walton Street and a small shop in Wellington Street.

Mr Hornby said: “The Co-op is not really intended for residents much. It is more for students.

“We want something which isn’t quite as homogeneous and extensive. It will be a different shopping experience and part of the community.”

He added that people visiting the market could also make use of the community café every week at the same time in the nearby Jericho Community Centre.

Last month six of Oxford’s community-run markets joined forces and formed Oxford Community Markets to work more closely together and share ideas.

They are Wolvercote and North Oxford Market; East Oxford Farmers and Community Market; South Oxford Farmers and Community Market; The Leys Community Market; Sandford Market and Cultivate’s Veg Van.