A MONTHLY community market in Blackbird Leys has ambitious plans to expand.

The Leys Community Market, which runs on the last Saturday of every month, will go weekly from Saturday, November 15.

It began in December 2012 at The Barn, Nightingale Avenue, and is part of the Oxford Community Markets Network which spans the city.

The move comes after the market established a steering group last month.

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Co-organiser Christine McDermott said: “We want to run it as a weekly market.

“It has had its busier and quieter moments but we definitely think we could do it.”

She added: “We’re still not known throughout the estate. There’s still more work there to do.

“It means in the run-up to Christmas we can really build momentum within the market.

“People will be able to buy gifts and seasonal foods as well in those six weeks before Christmas.

“On November 15 we have lots of ideas to make that launch day extra special, a little bit more sparkle.”

She estimated that currently about 40 people a month attend the market, adding: “Because it’s been monthly it’s been a bit slow and now we’re making it clear we want more stall holders and volunteers and skill sharers.”

Steering group member and Blackbird Leys Parish Council member Daniel Jones said: “We need to expand it to people who are Oxford-based, as well as just on the estate.”

He said the lack of stalls at the market was holding it back.

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Daniel Jones

“We’re going to do a lot more advertisement and really develop it to encourage people to come and have stalls there. We’re looking for volunteers as well.”

There are about 15 indoor stalls that sell produce such as jam, cakes, eggs and Blackbird Leys-made honey.

A children’s arts and crafts creative corner is also held at the market with a supervisor to watch them while parents shop.

Steve Curran, a Greater Leys councillor on Oxford City Council, said: “It’s a good place for councillors to meet new people, and the prices are good, but not many people go.”

Parish council chairman Gordon Roper added he was “disappointed” by the lack of stalls.

He said a Sunday market at Oxford Stadium was “packed” before it closed in December 2012.

  • For more information see leyscommunitymarket. moonfruit.com


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