A women's organisation is calling for the return of a weekly farmers' market in York city centre.

Soroptimist International of York is considering raising a petition to City of York Council, and is appealing for other organisations and individuals to lend their support.

Sylvia Rooke, York president of the organisation for women in management and professions, said members had recently discussed the matter and felt a regular market for local farmers in the Parliament Street/St Sampson's Square area, would be an excellent idea.

She said the Continental markets sold food that could not be totally fresh, having been brought to Britain from Europe.

But local farmers in crisis could regularly sell their own produce, such as ham, pork, venison, pates, preserves and vegetables, quite fresh.

"Up to several years ago, farmers had three rows of stalls on the wall next to Marks & Spencers, but they have died out or retired."

She was convinced that North Yorkshire farmers would gladly take advantage of the opportunity if the council was prepared to offer it.

York's markets manager Paul Barrett said several farmers' markets had been held in the past six months in Parliament Street, and had proved very popular, and four more were planned for later this year - on May 31, July 28, at the end of September and in early December.

But he felt the markets might lose their special appeal if they became a routine, weekly event.

There were also numerous competing demands for space in Parliament Street, and he also had concerns that farmers might not have sufficient produce for a weekly market.

Mandy Sowray, who sells traditionally cured hams and bacons at farmers' markets, said people often asked why they could not be held more often, for example once a week. But she did have concerns that the special atmosphere might be lost if they became routine.

Sylvia Rooke said any organisation or individual interested in helping launch a petition should contact her on 01904 647017.

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