Surbiton Farmers’ Market is under threat just months after securing it as a permanent fixture for the town, campaigners fighting council officers to save it have said.

The market is run by a community interest group and a committee of volunteers, with all surplus proceeds going to local charities.

But, in a long-running battle set to be resolved at a neighbourhood meeting on September 8, the council is trying to designate the Maple Road area as a trading zone, so the market can operate legally.

But Geoffrey Doyle, co-chairman of the Surbiton Farm and Produce community interest company, said doing so would kill the market, something residents would never forget.

He said: “If this goes ahead, costs will escalate and we will not generate any surplus for charity, which is such a big part of it.

“Volunteers would stop giving up their time if the proceeds end up with the council.

“It’s not just a market. People go down there to bring the community together, to raise money and awareness for charity. It’s a great way to get people out and get them to meet up and bump into friends on the street.

“Making it a trading zone, and charging stallholders £21.60 to sell their produce, is against our whole philosophy.”

He said he thought the idea had been kicked into the long grass and forgotten about, but the campaign is now in full swing, in a last ditch attempt to persuade councillors to support them.

To lend your support, email savefarmersmarket@mapleroadsurbiton.co.uk.

The deadline for objections is August 30.