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Farmer’s Market in Kilmacolm
- Fyfe
A monthly Farmer’s Market in Kilmacolm seems like a
great idea! There could be a buzz about the village on market day which
might encourage people who might not otherwise have come, to come to
Kilmacolm. The increased footfall could benefit local shops.
However there are risks. Currently the national economy
is fragile with almost daily reports of the demise of shops on our high
streets. We need to do all we can to support our Kilmacolm shops. When the
community centre was being redeveloped, our Community Council sent out a
circular to local residents reminding them of the importance of continuing
to use local shops in spite of the difficulties parking etc. In spite of
this, shops in Kilmacolm did feel the pinch.
If I were a shopkeeper I would take exception to
someone selling the same goods as me, setting up their stall immediately
across the road from my shop. This, in my view, would constitute unfair
trading since the stallholder would not have my shop’s fixed overheads –
business rates, property maintenance etc.
If we are going to have a Farmer’s Market in Kilmacolm
then I would urge KNCC to charge the Farmer’s Market for the use of the
ground. Charging a reasonable rent could counterbalance the fixed overheads
of the shops, putting trading on a fairer basis. Also it could provide much
needed income for running and further developing our New Community Centre.
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