TOMORROW (Friday) will see the last-ever farmers' market in Evesham High Street.

Farmers and growers attending the markets say the site is not viable, and the rent being demanded by Evesham Town Council for stalls in the Market Place is too high.

Stallholders met on Monday to discuss the latest demand from the council, which they say would add up to £1,250 a year.

Group co-ordinator Janet Yates said: "We're deeply disappointed to take this action, but it's simply not working in the present High Street location and the farmers and producers are not in a financial position to pay the levy requested by the town council in addition to the charges currently paid to the market operator to run the market."

She added: "We did offer to pay what we felt was a reasonable contribution, but this was unacceptable to the town council."

She said the High Street was not an ideal location because of noise and fumes from cars and added: "Most of our members are small producers and time spent at market is time they are not tending their businesses.

"They simply cannot afford to attend a market where they run the risk of being out of pocket, which is why we have been pressing for the more viable Market Square location."

The market group is now looking for an alternative site in the town and Janet said: "We are determined that Evesham, with its strong rural connec-tions, should have a farmers' market."

Mayor Mark Robinson said: "The farmers' market is extremely welcome. It is lovely to see and they have revi-talised that end of the High Street magnificently."

He said many councillors had been reluctant to charge the farmers a much lower rent than the "very loyal" Satur-day stallholders were charged.

"I'm very sorry they have taken that stance, but in principle they are very welcome in Evesham."