Market Drayton Taste of the Town group folds

A social enterprise set up to promote food production and the rural way of life in part of north Shropshire has folded after 11 years. The not-for-profit Taste of the Town Company started in 2000.

It aimed to promote the Market Drayton area as a haven for food but bosses today said it was winding up due to the ill health of one of its founders and because it had achieved its aims.

Jeff Hopkins, chairman of TOTT said: "Serious illness and difficult personal circumstances amongst the leadership, has meant little activity over the past two years.

"During this time, Market Drayton Chamber of Trade has established the excellent quarterly farmers' market.

"Many of the countryside activities TOTT initiated have been continued by those involved.

"The directors have decided that this is an appropriate time to close the company."

Company secretary Philippa Atkey said the company's "work was done" after achieving many of its goals, which included bringing the town and its hinterland closer together.

For example, farms around the town were now regularly running open days and community projects, while countryside activity days for young people had also become a part of TOTT's legacy.

The company was a spin-off from Market Drayton Town Council and it was set up in response to a Europe-wide study which suggested the fortunes of market towns' were showing a decline.