Headington's market marvel

The new manager of Headington Farmers’ Market is hoping to turn its fortunes around and put it back on the map.

Mr Mcleod has been in charge for three of the monthly markets and revealed there is an average 40 per cent loss in turnover. He is now banking on previous success with other farmers’ markets to improve the Kennett Road event.

Mr Mcleod said: “What we can do is increase the footfall. I have put 50 signs up.

“The most common thing we hear from residents is that they do not even know they had a market.

“The stallholders are being very supportive. It is in their interest to have a great market.”

Mr Mcleod runs five farmers’ markets, including one in Newbury, whose fortunes were also flagging when he took over.

He said: “It took me 12 months to turn it around. We put more signs up and worked hard to increase footfall. My job is not about turning up on the day and making lots of money. It is the hard work that goes around it.”

Patrick Coulter, of Headington Action, the organisation behind the market, has given the new manager his full support.

Mr Coulter said: “With his help we will invest more money and we are right behind him. But we have got to encourage people to use the market. Jack is a very good manager and hopefully it will come together.”

The farmers’ market is Headington Action’s main source of income as they rent out the spaces to the stallholders.

The market is held on the fourth Friday of every month – although this varies during the winter.