The Bridport Country Market has officially closed down.

The popular market held on Saturday mornings in the WI Hall in North Street would regularly have queues along the pavement before it opened at 9am.

However, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and many producers retiring has meant the market has stopped.

A spokesman for the market said: "All the producers want to thank our wonderful customers for their loyalty over the years, which has been much appreciated.

"I believe there are still some producers selling at the famers' market and via village stores, but a number of our producers decided to retire after many years of hard work. The plant ladies are continuing to sell at the farmers' market.

"The existing members decided that they wanted to close the market as it's a lot of hard work and many of them are in their 70s. Even before Covid, several producers had retired and the closing of the WI hall and lockdown has forced it to close.

"The market could restart if there were enthusiastic people interested in doing so - there needs to be a committee and subscription to the national country markets movement - and there are some funds available should any keen bakers, growers or crafters want to use the Country Market structure to trade from. It can be a good source of extra income.

"Again, many thanks to all the customers over the years who have visited the market and enjoyed the produce."

If anyone or a group is interested in starting it up again, Kate Myton Mitchell is happy to talk you through how it all works. Email [email protected]

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