Weekly Sunday markets are set to return to Highbridge’s former cattle market site at the start of October after an absence of over two years.
The businessman behind Burnham’s car boot sales at the BASC sports ground is moving his operations to the cattle market site next to the fire-hit Highbridge Hotel.
Paul Stewart confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The Sunday markets will include fruit and veg stalls, a local butcher and fresh food stalls. We’ll be returning on a weekly basis between 8am-3pm from October 2nd.”
“It’s a great location that’s easily accessed from the A38,” added Mr Stewart.
“We just need the support of local people to make it a success and hopefully bring some trade back into Highbridge.”
He added that Derek Mead, the owner of the hotel and market site, is “supportive” of the markets returning and has agreed that the markets will be held there “for between 18 months and two years.”
Local councillors have given the news a mixed welcome. Cllr Chris Williams told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s good to see the site being used for the markets again, but disappointing that this may mean nothing is done on the permanent development there for two years.”
Cllr Joe Leach added: “We’ve been pushing for the return of the Sunday markets for some time, so I’m pleased to see them coming back and hope it brings more people into Highbridge.”
“It’s better to have the markets there while the plans for the longer-term development are drawn up rather than the site remaining empty and unused.”
Weekly Saturday afternoon car boot sales – which used to be held at the BASC Ground – have also moved to the cattle market site. And a traditional fun fair will also be returning to the cattle market site in October, as it did last year.
Pictured: Stalls at the former weekly Sunday market in Highbridge
