THE Farmers' Market in Great Malvern is to be reduced from twice a month to once a month, due to a lack of demand.

Malvern Hills District Council's Executive Board heard that the Saturday event, held in the Council House car park off Church Street, had been struggling during the summer.

"During the winter there is less produce to sell and the weather tends to reduce the number of customers," reported estate officer Richard Allison.

"Thus, it makes sense for the markets to be held just one each month, at least until additional produce is available in June."

The Executive Board agreed the market should be cut to once a month until the end of May, when the situation will be reviewed.

The possibility of holding another Farmers' Market during the week on the Waitrose car park had also been raised, but Mr Allison said that since a cut in the existing market was being recommended, the idea of creating a new one was inappropriate.

But councillors agreed to defer the idea, rather than dismiss it altogether.

n The free bus service to the weekly Friday market can be axed, said the Executive Board. Market operator Sketts, which funds the bus, says it is now very little used and is not cost-effective.

The company said the money saved can be used to advertise the market.