ORGANISERS pushing for a community market on an Oxford estate say a weekly event could be up and running by this autumn.

A meeting will be held on Wednesday to get more volunteers on board and start working on the finer details for the Greater Leys event.

Co-organiser Christine McDermott said: “Just a year ago this was an idea that was floating around and being discussed.

“But now we have local organisations and residents on board, we are hoping to get more local people involved to look at developing it further.”

The idea to buy and sell homegrown food on the estate was first suggested by resident Leah Owens last year.

It was taken on by Seeds for Change, an organisation providing support and training to local community groups.

After discussion with the public, it has been decided the market will be held weekly at the Barn in Greater Leys.

Funding has already been secured from the Oxford Citizens Housing Association (OCHA), Community First and it is hoped a co-ordinator could be funded by local authorities.

The market would provide the chance to buy fresh food, locally sourced, learn new skills and the chance to buy and sell local crafts, jewellery and other items.

Ms McDermott said: “We have had a lot of really positive feedback, there is a real sense of wanting somewhere that will create community spirit. We decided to hold it in Greater Leys, as people felt there was very little going on there.

“There would be a cafe there too so it would hopefully become a real community hub, with the opportunity for people to get together every week.”

It is hoped the market would also encourage an entrepreneurial streak in residents, helping them set up stalls to sell their own products.

Ms McDermott said: “We already have some interesting stallholders on board, selling things like jewellery, cards and cakes.

“Now we would just love some people on board to truly make this a grassroots project, something people can roll their sleeves up and get involved in.”

Other local market organisers will attend Wednesday’s meeting to share ideas on how it could be run.

The meeting will run from 7pm until 9.30pm at the Clockhouse building in Greater Leys.