Our definition of 'local' is produce grown or processed within a 20 mile radius of the town. The purpose of this directory is to link purchasers of local food like pubs, hotels, shops, restaurants, guest houses and schools with all the local suppliers. We also want to give local shoppers as well as our visitors the chance to choose and enjoy locally grown and prepared food.

Our local Community Plan, published in late in 2005 identified the issue of local food as a key concern for the community. The Countryside and Land group within the Plan has successfully bid for a grant from the Rural Enterprise Gateway to build this site.

Self sufficiency in UK food production has fallen from 74% to 60% in ten years, and the country has a £13 billion food trade deficit. In the event of disruptive change - like fuel shortages, or large hikes in fuel prices, blockades or extreme climate events, the supermarkets and their 'just-in-time' food system could be put under severe pressure. It's up to us to buy local!

If you choose to buy both local and organic food you will also be helping to mitigate climate change. Both in their manufacture and their use, fertilisers are a significant source of greenhouse gases.