AN Alcester resident and former member of the town's Court Leet has hit out at neighbours who - he claims - are responsible for putting the Farmers' Market at risk.

Maurice Abney-Hastings contacted the Chronicle after last week's story, a call from Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce chairman Andy Mills to "use it or lose it".

The High Street resident said the most recent market had been hugely successful but he felt the risk to the market was not only down to a lack of support.

"Whilst Andy's comments are totally valid, I feel he has missed the greater problem - that of the attitude of the residents of Butter Street to the market in their own backyard," he said.

"Whilst they are asked regularly to move their vehicles for just this one day a month, on each occasion the same five or six leave their cars in most difficult positions."

Mr Abney-Hastings said several residents regularly parked their vehicles near the town hall, causing disruption.

He added: "The parking of these vehicles was so bad on St Nicholas Night that two farmers who had driven considerable distances could not set up and turned round and left.

"This is an event which has attracted up to 3,000 visitors and benefits local causes by several thousand pounds, and these narrow minded and selfish people are prepared to spoil even this."

He also said a recent survey by Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce had shown overwhelming public support for the market, with 96 per cent of residents supporting the event.

"But these few complaining residents seem to believe they have the right to park on what they consider to be their own land. It is not their land and they have no rights," Mr Abney-Hastings said.

"These events are here for the benefit of Alcester, the town, the traders and the residents, and a small number of NIMBYS are threatening this colourful and attractive addition to the Alcester calendar."

He said an initial report commissioned by Advantage Alcester had designated the town hall area to become pedestrianised and thought that option should be considered again to help combat the problem.