RESIDENTS and traders have come together in a bid to save a local market from closure.

Pinner Farmers' Market has been under threat since the London Farmers' Market organisation withdrew its support two weeks ago.

The market was due to close its doors on Sunday, September 30, but traders and local businesses are looking for ways to keep it going.

Jill Tindall, landlady of the Queen's Head pub, in High Street, Pinner, where the market is based, said: "We want to change it into a market for all of Pinner, with antiques stalls and craft stalls.

"We have been asking local shops and other associations to get involved, to hopefully get some people interested in coming to this market."

The market, which opens every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, only sells produce grown locally on farms.

It has struggled since it was opened two years ago, gradually losing stall holders and customers.

Traders blame it on a lack of effort from London Farmers' Market.

Tessa Jolliffe, 48, who runs a cake stall at the market, said: "When the market opened, I think more should have been done to show people what was here, and when some of the stall holders left, at the time they should have encouraged people to come and replace them."

Traders have also accused Harrow Council of not supporting the market, making them take down advertising banners from Pinner High Street, a conservation zone, when they are not trading.

But councillor Paul Osborn, portfolio holder for strategy and business support, said he was not aware of the market approaching the council for help, and would be happy to arrange a meeting with the traders.

He said: "I'm surprised they are struggling, and I would encourage all residents to make use of the opportunity to purchase fresh food on their doorstep."

When London Farmers' Market pulls out at the end of the month, the market will be able to expand.

David Bigg, 62, a dairy farmer from Louth, Lincoln, said: "The stall holders are keen to continue, we want to be here, we want to stay in Pinner. If we didn't think it was a viable market, we would have gone already."