Brewing up big support

If Jason Macklow has his way, the Frankton Market will rise from the ashes.

The director of Phoenix Group, which owns several pubs and eateries in Hamilton including Good George Brewery in Somerset St, has pledged to help raise $30,000 toward the market's cause.

Mr Macklow said the Frankton community's support of Good George since it opened in September was "wicked".

"I've never had a community get in behind a new place like they've done with Good George."

The affinity the business has with Frankton spurred him to offer to help raise $30,000 toward the cause - "for whatever is needed, whether it's advertising, marketing or whatever".

"We deal with big bullies in our industry, big breweries. Forlongs, it seems, is doing the same," Mr Macklow said.

He said his organisation had the ability to organise events and charity auctions to kickstart fundraising and, as part of that, Mr Macklow was considering "a special commemorative brew ... a 'Save the Frankton Market brew' ... perhaps a Frankton Bitter".

Mr Macklow said he would like to see a solution worked out between Forlongs, market organisers and the council. But he predicts whatever happens, "the markets will win out in the end".