Market's return transforms town

But the market's success was it's downfall as queues for the market tailed as far back as Kew Bridge and Chiswick roundabout. Following a High Court battle between traders, residents and Hounslow Council the Sunday market was scrapped in 1979 due to complaints of traffic congestion and unsavoury characters preying on shoppers.

Now a group of dedicated residents have revived the market, albeit on a smaller scale, and last Saturday saw the third in a monthly line of events.

The stalls at the market hold a wide variety of farm products, some of which - red peppers stuffed with feta cheese, ciabatta bread, and a whole range of antipasti - would have been looked on with puzzlement at the old market. Of course the traditional products were available too - oak smoked cheddar cheese, fine cuts of meat, pressed apple juice and a range of freshly baked cakes. Some of the fayre even had festive feel as stalls sold hot cider, mince pies and cranberry sauce. There was also a performance of Christmas carols and festive songs by the Churches of Brentford.

Matt Harmer, who has been involved in the project from the start and now acts as site manager on market day, had been standing in the cold since 6.15amon Saturday, when the first traders arrived from Bristol.

Matt explained how the new series of markets came about: "The market was resurrected when Seema Malholtra was campaigning to be Hounslow's representative on the GLA. While out canvassing she discovered that many residents missed the old market and decided to start the market up again.

"Fortunately her endeavours were supported by many local councillors and Labour MP Ann Keen.

"This was very useful as it gave the idea legitimacy. Everyone was very helpful and showed us what steps we needed to take to get it set up. The organisers of Chiswick market were particularly helpful and gave us lots of advice."

Finding local stall holders was a must. Two such locals who had set up a stall on Saturday were Paul Slattery and Katie Allieff, neighbours who were selling home-made soup and bread created with ingredients from their allotments. Katie said: "It was our ethos to bring in home-made. Local grown food and it's a lovely way of shopping, really communal. Lots of our friends and neighbours are here."

The first market was sponsored by Barratt Homes, which meant that leafleting and insurance costs were met and stall holders did not have to pay a fee for setting up their pitch.

"Barratt homes said this was the kind of thing they wanted for residents in the North Brentford Quarter - it proves there is the need for community spaces. As a result the farmers didn't have to pay a pitch fee and everything they took was theirs which was a great way to start," said Matt.

"Now they pay a small amount, between £5 and £40 depending on how much stock they sell. This money then helps us pay for things like litter collection after the event. The PCT have been fantastic letting us use the car park so we don't want to leave it in a mess!"

Following the success of the first market it was decided to make it a monthly event, although if they hold more than 14 in a year the organisers will need to apply for planning permission.

"Seema and the councillors knew it was going to be a good idea but I was a bit nervous because I was speaking directly to the stall holders and I didn't want to be chased down Boston manor road by a mob of angry farmers. But the first market was amazing and everybody seemed to come along.

June Morris, who was running the stall of Twickenham based Pergola point products, was also at the first market: "We sold out of everything and shut the stall down at 11am. It was incredibly well supported. The area is short of shops and people have to travel to Ealing or Chiswick if they want fresh produce so this is an excellent idea."

Others agreed with this, as Matt discovered: "We did a petition to see if it was something that people wanted on a regular basis and the list of names that we got back looked like the electoral role for Brentford!"

the market is turning out to be a great social event, as Matt explained: "People meet other people they know and it has become a bit of a meeting place. It is becoming a community centre that Brentford has been lacking."

Sara Ward, a Brentford shopper who was studying the delights of the sushi stall with her young son, agreed with this notion.

"It's a fantastic way for the community to come together. There are so many people here that I know and it's great to see friends running stalls."

"The educational aspect of the market is also great," says Matt.

"People are so used to their food being cut up, pre packed and totally clean that it can be instructive to see things in their natural state. If you don't believe me go and look at the Brussel sprouts!"

It is hoped that the market will soon include more art and craft stall.

Matt said: "We would like to get some stalls that are not just food based but still maintain a local focus. We have many artists in the area so if they could come down and exhibit their work that would be lovely."

However, the next task for the group is to sustain the market - they see it as unfair to keep asking volunteers to carry out the work and are hoping to set themselves up as an official organisation.

The next farmers market will be held on February 5, as the first Saturday would be January 1, as Matt explained: "We want to give people the chance to recover from Christmas!"