Ham Parade Market volunteers have set-up a crowdfunder to pay for the start-up costs.

The money is needed for equipment such as gazebos, lights and sound systems, banners, flyers and leaflets to advertise it, activities at Christmas, and preparations towards opening a community owned-and-run shop on Ham Parade.

They have a target of £5,000 and are already half way there.

Over the past few years, Ham Parade has lost its bank, butchers and greengrocers - to halt the decline of the area the market will be selling food and crafts.

Organiser Matt Georges said: “Over the last two years, we’ve lost our bank, our butchers and our greengrocers.

“Watching the death throes of Ham Parade really upset me, so I looked into why this was happening.

“The butchers and greengrocers were perfectly profitable businesses; they were forced to close by landlords seeking higher rents.”

The team behind Ham Parade Market have set up a Community Interest Company to launch and run the market.

All profits will be reinvested back into the local area with a view to buying a property on the Parade in which to set up a community shop.

Different local charities will be supported each market, with allocation of a free stall in keeping with the market motto: “Investment in the community, for the community, by the community”.

October’s charity is Ham & Petersham SOS, a local care group providing transport, activities, and outings for elderly and disabled residents in Ham & Petesham.

The new Ham Parade Market will open on Saturday October 7, with Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith ringing the opening bell at 10am to officially launch the market.