Houghton Regis Market was Buzzing (02/06/06)

Houghton Regis was a hive of activity yesterday when a craft and farmers market took place in Bedford Square. Shoppers turned out in their droves to take advantage of the wide selection of home cooked food, local produce, and arts and crafts on offer.

Houghton Regis resident and Chairman of the District Council, Councillor Pat Hamill said: "Bedford Square was buzzing - I have never seen it so busy. The quality of goods for sale was outstanding and the stalls were so welcoming to visitors. I truly hope that Bedford Square and other local shopkeepers benefited as a result.

"Houghton Regis has now shown that it has the potential to host such a successful event and I hope it can become a regular feature. Im looking forward to trying the steak pie and cakes that we bought later!"

The market, which was organised by South Bedfordshire District Council, was made up of stalls selling dairy produce, vegetables, meat, preserves, chilli plants and flowers, as well as crafts such as glassware, candles, jewellery, ceramics, woodcrafts and pottery.

There was also an exhibition of old photos of Houghton Regis in the library and free face painting and balloon modelling for children.

Initial feedback from customers and traders has been extremely positive. The Houghton Regis Town Centre Management Committee will be discussing the future of this and similar events at their meeting at the end of June.