REGARDING last week's article about the farmers' market in Okehampton: It is such a shame to see the diminishing stallholders at the farmers' market. Okehampton should have a bustling and thriving market for the size of our evolving town.  

I think a major problem is that it needs to be under cover like some of the village farmers' markets.  Of course, the high rent does not encourage small businesses either.   

A lot of time, cost and effort goes into cottage industries with far less return of any profit than large corporate companies make.   

An additional thought: could not the Charter Hall be used and 'spill out' into Red Lion Yard with some outdoor stalls? If only we had the premises for a fantastic market like Tavistock!

Jacquie Jennings

de Brionne Heights

Okehampton

I REFER to the front of last week's Okehampton Times where we learn that stallholders at the monthly farmers' market are asking the town council to waive their rental payments for six months.

Now, why? Very sensibly, the town council refused. But surely I am not the only one to notice that it is always farmers who are holding out their hands for subsidies, a luxury that no other business in the town enjoys. Again, why?

And while on the subject of subsidies, why not a business rates rebate for the Okehampton shops who have lost their windows almost completely obscured by the market traders' stalls? Here is a possible solution. I recently saw Okehampton described in an estate agent's details as 'A one time market town'. How sad.

But could we not simply move the monthly market off the street and into the Charter Hall for one Saturday morning per month - I am sure the stallholders would sweep up after themselves. Then we could at least describe Okehampton as a part-time market town.

Richard G Williamson

Park Row

Okehampton

YES, I definitely think farmers' market rent should be reduced or done away with completely, and why can't they use the Charter Hall?

These markets should be encouraged; let's have more, and a few art and crafts as well, it all adds colour and interest to the town.

Pat Dayman

Fox Close, Okehampton