It is hoped traders struggling to make ends meet will get a shot in the arm from a new farmers’ market.

Between 25 and 30 stalls will sell a variety of meat and produce in Station Road, Chingford, this weekend after 1,600 people successfully petitioned Waltham Forest Council.

Shopkeepers hope that the monthly Essex Farmers’ Market will attract people back to the high street on Sundays.

Chris Carter, co-owner of card and gift shop Needful Things, said: “It’s fantastic. It will bring a bit of life back to the high street.

“The streets can be far too quiet but people will be attracted by the market and then hopefully will continue their shopping in our businesses.”

The market will sell meat, fresh produce such as eggs and organic bread, and other items chosen to ensure there is not a clash with retailers’ stock, and will be similar to a successful one run in Wanstead.

Organiser Ian Chisholm said: “It’s important not to sell the same things as the shops because we each help the other. Where we’ve been successful we’ve complemented the shops’ services with ours.”

The market will be run partly on the widest part of the pavement, outside Tesco, between Willow Street and Buxton Road, but is likely to expand if it does well.

If it does, the council will consider having additional markets in areas such as south Chingford and Leytonstone.

It is currently planned for every second Sunday of the month, starting this Sunday, from 9am to 5pm.

Petition organiser Adam Osen, 53, of Woodberry Way, said: “I’m very excited, this is great news. It will pay off for the shops and the community because it will hopefully help the high street a great deal.

“The petition was instrumental in this because it showed the council the sheer number of people who wanted it to happen. It’s going to increase the footfall here a great deal, it will be tremendous.”

People who want to set up a stall can contact Essex Farmers' Market on info@essexfarmersmarkets.co.uk or 01277 362414.