Burstow in the Market for Markets Week

10.02.00am GMT Tue 12th Jun 2007

Paul Burstow MP took to the High Street on Saturday to highlight the importance of street markets. The visit was in support of markets week, organised by the All Party Group on the Markets Industry, which is designed to highlight the importance of markets in strengthening communities and providing healthy food at cheap prices. Mr Burstow visited Spencer's Fruit and Vegetable stall on Sutton High Street to show his support for local Market traders.

Research carried out for the National Market Traders Federation in 2005 showed that goods brought on the nations traditional and historic markets can be up to 27 cent cheaper when compared with prices at Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain. Researchers compared prices of 20 identical items on markets and the local Tesco at locations in the South, Midlands and the North.

Paul Burstow MP said:

"Markets make local town centres more vibrant. They encourage people to eat healthy, local food, which is often cheaper than the supermarkets.

"Markets can also benefit the environment by contributing to a reduction in "food miles" and unnecessary and wasteful packaging of food.

"Sutton's market offers good food, at good prices and a good place to meet up in the heart of our community."