ALCESTER could regain its status as a market town if proposals by two groups go ahead.

Advantage Alcester and the Chamber of Trade are looking at the possibility of bringing in regular farmers' markets, where local producers sell their wares.

These are running successfully in many parts of the country and offer bread, cheese, meat, vegetables and other more specialist goods.

Town shopkeepers support the proposals, though they have asked the markets be held in the early part of the week to minimise the effect on their weekend trade.

The only hitch seems to be finding a suitable site.

Chamber of trade chairman Andy Mills said: "I think this would be very good, especially if it brings in other people to the town. Since we lost Buntings, there hasn't been as much choice available, particularly on the delicatessen side.

"This is a market town but we have not had a proper market for a long time.

"If farmers' markets work, then I don't see why we can't have one in Alcester if we can find somewhere to put it."

Advantage Alcester chairman Lise Evans said: "This has been part of our action plan as a potential project since the first health check in May 2002 and we have had some discussions with Sketts, who run the Stratford markets.

"It is important to us we work with the local traders, including the WI market.

"Finding a venue is going to be the main problem and we would welcome any suggestions or ideas from local people.

"The project needs to be taken forward."