Comber Farmers’ Market to open following hard work by Alliance Councillor

Alliance Ards Councillor, Deborah Girvan, has independently paved the way for a monthly farmers market in Comber, despite opposition from unionist Councillors on Ards Borough Council.

Supported by the Comber Regeneration and Community Partnership, the Councillor refused to let Unionist Councillors block funding plans for the local Market – branching out on her own to secure Big Lottery Funding, a venue and attracting a wide-range of local food producers and growers.

Scheduled to take place on a monthly basis, the new market is now set to kick start on 3rdJuly at St Mary’s Parish Church car park, The Square, Comber at 9am.

Councillor Deborah Girvan said: “I have been working on the concept of a Farmers’ Market for Comber for almost two years. Last year, the council turned down my proposal to start a Farmers’ Market citing that it would be too expensive for the council to run and sustain.

“I was very disappointed that the majority of the Councillors could not see the benefits and value that a Farmers’ Market would contribute to regenerating Comber and bringing more business and visitors to the town.

“Because I believed so strongly in the project, I brought my proposal to the Comber Regeneration and Community Partnership and St Mary’s Parish Church and both groups unanimously agreed to support it.

“Stalls will include vegetables; seasonal fruit; chocolates; fudge; speciality breads; herbs and bedding plants; fresh fish and shell fish; goat and rose veal; cut flowers; homemade sauces , pickles, relishes and jams; cakes, tray bakes, and macaroons.

“I am delighted that we were successful in our application for funding from the Big Lottery’s Awards for All programme. This means that we will be able to buy market stalls and promote the market in a professional manner.”

ENDS

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