WORCESTER’S farmers’ market has been forced to leave its city centre site because it does not have enough stallholders.

Its numbers have dwindled to just four traders and leaseholders Brays Associates has asked the group not to return to Angel Place, where it has been trading twice monthly for two years, unless they can find more stallholders.

The farmers’ market, which has been operating for 12 years, was due to take place at Angel Place this Sunday, but that will not be going ahead now.

Maureen Marklew, secretary of the Worcester Farmers’ Market Group, said its members had built up a loyal customer base and were gutted by the decision.

“We started in Angel Place in 2009 after relocating from Worcester Porcelain when that closed down,” she said.

“Some of the stallholders were not able to come along and now we have dropped to four.

“We would very much like to continue trading in Worcester if anyone can offer us a viable site.

“We offer our apologies to our customers for the inconvenience.”

Mrs Marklew said they had already been offered alternative locations, but these were further out of Worcester.

She added that the farmers’ market would continue to trade at its other regular sites in Droitwich, Bromsgrove, St Peter’s Garden Centre and Belbroughton.

Brian Nunan, managing director of Brays Associates, said the group had declined an offer to trade as part of other markets.

“We allowed them to come on Sundays and use the stalls totally free of charge for the first six months,” he said.

“The numbers dropped off and having so few stalls meant that was not good for Worcester and not good for the market.”

Mr Nunan added that he would be happy to support the market in the future if it was able to increase its numbers.

Anyone who can supply an alternative site in Worcester for the market should call Mrs Marklew on 07795 656148.