GROWING support for a farmers' market in Rubery could see stallholders rolling out their wares by the end of the month.

Bromsgrove District Council has sought the views of village shopkeepers on the possibility of a monthly market operating in the parish and the authority has received mostly positive comments.

Two weeks ago it sent 70 surveys out to businesses in the shopping centre and on Monday, 34 had been returned.

Thirty-one of the shopkeepers backed the scheme while three objected to the initiative.

District economic development officer Peter Michael hand delivered each survey and he is pleased with the response.

He is now forwarding his findings to the council's executive committee and if members approve plans, the market could be held as early as July 27.

Mr Michael aims to stage the event on the car park next to Rubery police station, in New Road.

"This is very exciting and I'm hopeful we can get the market up and running swiftly," he said.

The popular markets are usually made up of ten or more farmers selling their own produce direct to the public from stalls in a town high street.

A letter sent to traders by the authority said the market should not be a direct threat to established firms, including butchers and greengrocers, because market products are usually specialised and priced accordingly, so local shops are not undercut.

The original market day proposal came from district councillor Peter McDonald (Lab - Uffdown and Waseley).

He believes the market would breathe new life into the village, which is already popular with residents.

"This would really enhance our shopping centre and I'm pleased to see the business community and district council are working together."