Smallholders look to boost local producers with farm shop plans

A FAMILY smallholding in Littleport is looking to boost the fortunes of local suppliers by opening up a new farm shop.

Westmoor House Smallholding, on Wisbech Road, was started in 2006 by Lindsay and John Creek, who bought a plot of about five acres from a retiring farmer.

The family moved three Gloucester old spot pigs onto the overgrown plot of land and, when the subsequent pork sold well, decided to introduce a few more animals on the site, buying up 16 hens.

Now, six years down the line, and the family have about 750 hens, eight sheep and 11 pigs, with plans to breed pigs on the smallholding afoot.

The smallholding sells hundreds of eggs a week to passers-by as well as supplying customers with free-range pork.

Such has been the growth in the venture that the Creeks have now applied to East Cambridgeshire District Council to build a new timber farm shop, which would allow them to process and pack goods on site and sell products from other local producers.

In their submission to planners, the Creeks said: “Whilst there are a few options, to primarily offer products from other local producers appears to be the most plausible option.

“The establishment of a farm shop is therefore seen as the most viable option of achieving a sustainable business.”

The family said they have had informal discussion with potential suppliers, the NFU and neighbours and said that the response had been “very enthusiastic”.

A decision on the plans is expected within the next six weeks. To view the plans, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk.