KNUTSFORD’S traders have joined forces to provide a locally-sourced ‘food box’ in the wake of the horsemeat scandal sweeping the country’s supermarkets and supplies.

Led by Sheldon’s Dairy – based at Parkgate – the milk provider has teamed up with three of the town’s market traders based at the indoor market on Silk Mill Street – Alan Bolshaw, a trader on the market for two years, Mike Brown from Parkers Poultry and Butcher Ian Emmess from Edwards and Emmess.

Steve Edwards from Sheldons Dairy said some traders were concerned with the impact Aldi may have on them, and this was a perfect time to help the market stallholders.

“We’re all trying to pull together in the town to keep it local and in turn delivering local food to the people of Knutsford,” he said.

“I approached the guys at the market as we were thinking of doing a veg box. The wife uses Alan herself, so I asked him if he would be interested in doing it. It built up to about 30 a week and we’re just trying to big it up a little bit more.

“We’ve got Ian from the market who is providing the sausages and the bacon, Mike has the oatcakes and then Alan with the vegetables.

“But we’re trying to find the little niche things and find the quality items and make sure they are locally sourced.

“It’s about helping the market and boosting everyone’s sales, especially with a new supermarket opening up.

“You can pick what you want for your box – which will be tricky for us – but it will be interesting to see what happens.

“Our customers are very loyal and are brilliant.

“It’s good stuff we’re selling, and you won’t have to worry about it because it’s all locally sourced.”