A FARMERS' market which traders hope will boost their struggling businesses could open before Christmas.


Waltham Forest Council said granting permission is a formality, with just the final details needing to be ironed out after more than 1,600 people signed a petition calling for the market in Station Road, Chingford.


The campaigners believe the extra people attracted to market would boost trade for existing shops, which owners say have been hit hard by the opening of Westfield in Stratford.
 

And they say they have lost customers to Walthamstow and Loughton, which both have their own farmers’ markets.
 

Adam Osen, of Woodberry Way in Chingford, said he was delighted the market was coming to Chingford.
 

"It will greatly improve trade in the road because it will attract people to the high street," he added.
 

"I am hoping that will bring the community together a lot more as well.
 

"The number of people who signed the petition clearly shows a lot of people would use the market, so with a bit of luck this will really benefit the area."
 

The idea is for people to buy a few things and then browse around the shops,"
 

It is hoped the market will arrive before Christmas and is likely to operate on Sunday morning.
 

It will sell fresh bread, meat and vegetables, as well as other produce not sold by local shops.
 

Andy Ryan, manager of the E4 Floor flooring store, and member of the E4 Business Forum, said: "It sounds fantastic.
 

"We had a market here years ago and it used to be packed."
 

Beverley Tankard, owner of The Bookshop said: "It's wonderful. It will spur people on to shop here.
 

"We have so much going for us here with great independent shops and this could be the last thing clicking into place."
 

The campaigners are now approaching local farmers who may be interested in providing produce, before looking at working with a company which could host the market and offer fresh produce that does not clash with the local shops. 

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