THE popular Williton Community Market is back in business just weeks after being forced to close when Williton Parish Council doubled its £10 rent.

The market, held monthly in the Parish Rooms for the past four years, has been offered a new home by the refurbished Williton Social Club.

And it will re-open next Friday (July 20) from 9 to 11.30am and then on the third Friday of every month, selling fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, knitted goods, handmade jewellery and a variety of local produce.

Committee member Barbara Heywood said that when the parish council doubled the rent of the room it made it impossible for the market to continue.

“It had become a real community asset and a social meeting point for a lot of elderly people, and there was real dismay in the village when we had to close.

“It made a real difference to the charities we supported and to the elderly and lonely people who enjoyed the social contact.”

“Now the social club has come to the rescue and given us a lovely new venue for just £10 a week.

“We couldn’t have a better outcome and we are very grateful to the club.”

The community market took over from the one previously run by the WI and regularly supports five local charities.

A parish council spokesman said that charges for the Parish Rooms had not increased but a review had found that the community market was being undercharged.