USE it or lose it. That was the message from a market organiser on Saturday. Richard Ellis has been organising Barnston Farmers Market for nearly two years but has seen numbers of traders and customers decline drastically. He said: When the first owners

USE it or lose it. That was the message from a market organiser on Saturday.

Richard Ellis has been organising Barnston Farmers Market for nearly two years but has seen numbers of traders and customers decline drastically.

He said: "When the first owners started it five years ago we had around 20 stalls and 600 people every time, now we are lucky to get 60."

Traders have been dropping of over the last 18 months and as a result customers have begun to look elsewhere.

"We still get our regulars who would be absolutely gutted if the market disappeared, we are battling on at the moment but we are not sure how long it can last," said Mr Ellis.

The market takes place every fourth Saturday of the month at Barnston Village Hall and the small proceeds received from traders goes towards the upkeep of the venue.

Mr Ellis believes customers have been attracted by the larger market and Garnetts Farm. "The funds for the village hall will begin to dwindle as well if we don't continue with such events, we need to get the local population to support the market and in turn support the community," said Mr Ellis, who is also treasurer of the Village Hall.

The market may only have a few months to survive if the recent poor run continues, so the rallying cry is also a plea for help to local people who want a regular market in their vicinity to continue.

The market runs from 9.30am until noon. Anyone wishing to trade should call 01371 873199.