On Monday's meeting of Midsomer Norton Town Council, members voted to continue having a regular presence at the Farmers Market which is held on the first Saturday of each month in the Hollies Garden.

The idea came from Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gordon Mackay who volunteers as the Council's Communications Officer and web master. "While I've been really busy expanding and updating our online presence, which has gone really well, one of my twitter fans helpfully pointed out that people who don't use the internet still need a way to meet up with councillors, especially since we decided to stop holding the Councillor Surgeries due to disappointing turnouts. The idea of a presence in the town came to me so I spoke with Louise Hall who runs the Farmers Market who helpfully suggested we could share a pitch with Somer Valley FM, who already have a space set aside."

Cllr Mackay was at September and October's markets as a trial before it was officially approved by the Council.

"I wanted to see how it would turn out before suggesting to Council we make it a regular thing," he continued. "This Saturday past went really well with the Mayor, Lynda Robertson joining me and PCSO Paul Thatcher popping by too. I printed some leaflets to hand out, about the Town Hall Transformation project, and they were really well received by the residents I met. Everyone seemed really excited about the plans including the reinstatement of a market at the Island."

The Town Council will not necessarily be there every month so residents are advised to check the Council's website before making a journey specifically to meet with councillors. The Farmers Market also has an email list that people can subscribe to listing who will be attending each month. https://www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk

"I really think this is going to a great opportunity to engage with the public and keep them updated on all the exiting things going on in Midsomer Norton," the Deputy Mayor enthused. "It also gives us the chance to hang out with Somer Valley FM and promote the Farmers Market which is a wonderful thing to have each month. And, if no one comes to speak with me, at least I can do some shopping!"

Somerset Farmers' Markets have been organising farmers' markets in the area for over 23 years providing local communities and visitors with a wide variety of fresh, high quality, locally produced food.

"Please do come and support the market," encouraged Cllr Mackay, "and say hello while you're there. You'll spot me easily enough in my home-made Town Council t-shirt!"