Sunday, May 21st marks the start of a regular monthly Sunday market in Bath’s Abbey Green.
And taking pride of place will be the ancient giant Plane tree in its centre which has been given a new look.
B&NES has finally conceded that planting new turf around its base every year was a waste of money as the grass was always dead by the time summer was over.
Instead they are trying something a bit different.
A spokesperson told Bath Newseum:
‘The Council has been working with Bath Tourism Plus and the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) to find a solution that is more appealing, durable and authentic.The soil surface has been carefully removed using an air spade to prevent damage to the tree and will be replaced by a self-binding gravel, a type of surface used historically.’
Traders are pleased to see the job has been completed in time for Sunday’s inaugural market.
I spoke to one of them. Laurence Swan owns both the Georgian Tea Rooms and the Bath Bun Tea Rooms and is a Director of Bath BID.
The Independent Bath Market in Abbey Green will feature up to 25 stalls. A selection of small independent family businesses, makers, growers, crafters, artisans and producers from the local area.
The monthly market is the brainchild of Silvana de Soissons of The Foodie Bugle in Abbey Green.
