SIR – I regularly attend the Hatfield farmers market on the first Saturday of the month. My wife and I have two pre-school children and the farmers market is an excellent family activity, the stall holders are very child friendly and it provides an

SIR - I regularly attend the Hatfield farmers' market on the first Saturday of the month.

My wife and I have two pre-school children and the farmers' market is an excellent family activity, the stall holders are very child friendly and it provides an excellent opportunity for our children to learn about food and enjoy local produce.

Stall holders are not only very friendly, but the produce is fantastic, a personal favourite of mine is the smoked fish stall.

I would like to think that buying locally at this farmer's market we are supporting the local economy and the environment.

It does, however, irk me that I cannot enjoy the farmer's market with my family without being heckled by political activists.

It is my understanding that each stall member of the market is vetted by the council and the council should be duly proud of the market. However it seems unfair that political activists can set up stalls at the market without permission and harass passers-by.

While I appreciate we are fortunate to live in a democracy and people should be free to voice their options; is it really appropriate for political activists to pester passers-by at a local farmer's market?

As a father of young children I find it very distasteful and I am not alone in my views; many stallholders and members of the public agree with me.

Would it be asking too much for the politicians to come and enjoy the farmer's market and forget about politics for one Saturday a month?

Daniel Weatherhead,

North Mymms Park, Hatfield.