A TRADERS’ co-op faces losing its last public pitch in Abingdon after members were told to quit a farmers’ market.

Abingdon Country Market said Abingdon Farmers’ Market leaders told them their monthly stall had too many people behind the counter.

The co-operative, which helped found the farmers’ market in 1999, said it was told stalls could not have more than two people serving. It usually has 10.

Members said they will ask Thames Valley Farmers Market Co-operative, which run the market, to hold an extraordinary general meeting where members will be able to vote on whether the co-op can continue trading.

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The blow comes after the country market shut its weekly market at Abingdon Guildhall in July after 65 years because it could no longer afford the rent.

Country market spokesman Malvin Drakley said he was “gutted”, adding: “We have no idea why this has happened.”

He and wife Valerie, the country market manager, said they were told the news at a meeting with the Thames Valley committee on December 10. Country market members gave out leaflets at the last farmers’ market on Friday, December 19.

They said: “We regret this will be our last farmers’ market because, as a co-operative, we are not allowed to trade any longer because we are in breach of rules on trading.”

Mrs Drakley said support from customers and traders had moved her to tears, adding: “I would just like to say thank-you for the support we had on the Friday.”

She said whatever happens the country market will still cater at events and make hamper deliveries.

The co-operative has asked the Thames Valley committee for a stay of execution until a members’ meeting can be held.

But they do not yet know if they will be able to have a stall at the next market on Friday, January 16.

The country market sells fresh eggs and vegetables, home-made cakes, preserves and crafts at the market, which is held on the third Friday of the month.

Abingdon Town Council’s Lesley Legge, who helped set up the farmers’ market in 1999, said: “I don’t understand it.”

She said the number of people behind the stall was discussed when it was established and was not thought to be an issue.

She said: “They don’t have any other outlet. It would be so disappointing to lose them and a lot of people would be very upset if they disappeared. They fit in well, they are well-respected and there are always queues there.”

The country market quit the Guildhall after the town council owners put its rent up from £30 to £45 in January.

A Thames Valley director said Abingdon Country Market did not pass its most recent accreditation assessment, but said the organisation would welcome a general members’ vote on the issue if the country market group pressed its case.

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