Local MP backs street markets
June 15, 2007 10:28 AM
North Southwark and Bermondsey MP Simon Hughes has teamed up with other parliamentarians and former England striker Gary Lineker to highlight the importance of street markets.
Simon Hughes is backing National Markets Week, which starts on Monday June 18. Research carried out for the National Market Traders Federation in 2005 showed that goods bought at traditional and historic markets can be up to 27% - or up to £10 per shop cheaper - compared to prices at Tesco. Researchers compared prices of 20 identical items on markets and the local Tesco at locations in the South, Midlands and the North.
Mr Hughes will be visiting East Street market in Walworth at 9am on Wednesday 20th June.
Mr Hughes said:
"Markets strengthen local communities and encourage people to eat healthy, local food, which is often cheaper than in supermarkets.
"Markets also benefit the environment by contributing to a reduction in 'food miles' and unnecessary and wasteful packaging of food.
"Street markets in Southwark, like in many other places, have had a difficult time in recent years. But I am determined that our local markets remain a key part of the business of our borough. The Blue, Tower Bridge Road and East Street, as well as stall holders at the Elephant and Castle and further south in the borough, must be given all the help and support they need. East Street has been one of the great markets of south London in the past. Everything must be done to attract more locals and visitors to make sure that East Street has an equally great future."
ENDS
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