MINEHEAD'S first Continental market was launched yesterday (Thursday) with the hope of attracting at least hundreds of people to the town. The pilot project to give the resort a cosmopolitan flavour in the food stakes sparked controversy when it was first mooted earlier this month, with traders and critics complaining about a lack of consultation and claiming the initiative had been rushed through. But yesterday any criticism was put on hold, pending the response to the four-day trial, which has been initiated by West Somerset Council. Food from a 40-strong contingent of European producers went on sale on stalls set up in the Avenue, forcing the closure of the road from the Summerland Avenue car park entrance to the corners of North Road and Tregonwell Road. And today part of the Parade will also be out of bounds to motorists when the West Somerset Farmers Market stages its weekly operation. The district council's market town regeneration officer Pete Vallance said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to sample the best local and foreign produce. "We hope residents and visitors will enjoy not only the flavours, but also the atmosphere that this brings to Minehead." The Continental market will run from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily until Sunday, when it will close at ipm. Meanwhile, the West Somerset Farmers Market will be open for business from 8.30am to 2.30pm today. Mr Vallance added: "We're aiming to bring a wider range of produce to local residents and encourage visitors to stay in Minehead longer, which means they will spend more money in the district. "The local economy will also receive an extra boost because the new stallholders and their helpers will need accommodation in the area." A district council representative and a market co- ordinator from Amber Markets, which is responsible for bring the European producers to the town, will be on site or in the immediate vicinity throughout the four-day trial.
