DARLINGTON shoppers have been warned to use or risk losing a flagging farmers’ market.

Low numbers of traders setting out their stall at the markets in Darlington town centre had led to speculation that the monthly events were about to be cancelled.

Darlington Borough Council, which organises the markets alongside the popular regular markets, insists this is not the case.

But Robert Darling, of award-winning family business Burtree Puddings, based at Burtree Gate, said town centre shoppers are failing to show support for the farmers’ markets.

He said: “Unless there is a decent number of stalls, it is not really a farmers’ market, you cannot have one very easily with just two stalls.

“Most have about 20 or 30 stalls, but if traders turn up and do not sell much, they do not come back.

“Darlington farmers’ market has maybe four regular traders, but the town is not supporting it.

“The people who run it seem to do all that they can to promote it and we would be the last people to criticise the way it is run.”

Mr Darling said Burtree Puddings, which is well known for its range of desserts, would continue to support Darlington farmers’ market when its other commitments allowed.

Two farmers’ markets in Darlington have been cancelled this year – one because of wintry weather and another because it clashed with Bishop Auckland Food Festival.

A council spokeswoman said: "Darlington is famous for its markets and the council is committed to supporting a range of specialist and regular markets in the town.

“The farmers’ and crafts markets are very popular with traders and visitors to the town and will continue on the third Friday of every month."

The town’s indoor market celebrates its 150th anniversary next month, while the popular Sunday People’s Market won a national award.

Mr Darling has urged shoppers to help secure the future of the farmers’ market, by using it.

He added: “Traders do not go and stand in the middle of Darlington for six hours for fun, they have to pay to go and they need to take enough money to make it worth their while.”