A weekly Somerset market is set to close for good shortly before Christmas after councillors unanimously decided it was no longer viable to continue running it.
Street Parish Council has announced that Street Thursday Market will hold its final market on December 17, following a review of the service and a public consultation with residents over its future.
The decision comes after locals were asked earlier in the autumn whether they wanted the market to continue, with the parish council having previously revealed that it cost £15,078 to operate during the last financial year.
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The parish council took responsibility for managing the weekly market on April 1, 2025, as part of Somerset Council's devolution of assets and services to local communities.
At the time, the parish council said that taking control of the market formed part of their ambition to enhance the High Street and maintain a regular market presence in the town.
However, Street Parish Council have now decided to bring the market to an end. In a statement shared online, it said: "Street Parish Council has resolved to close Street Thursday Market after its final market on 17 December 2026."
It added: "The decision was made unanimously at full council on 20 October 2026 following a full review of the market service."
Several issues were considered during that review, including the market's location and the impact that closing the High Street to traffic has on retailers, businesses and residents.
Councillors also considered the effect of the resulting diversion route along Vestry Road, as well as the challenge of attracting and retaining regular traders.
The cost involved in operating a "safe, well-run market" was also taken into account. The council added that feedback from people who took part in the recent public consultation, as well as others who had shared their views on Street Thursday Market, was considered before the final decision was made.
The parish council had launched its consultation in September after undertaking a review of the market's first year under its management, explaining that the market had cost £15,078 to operate in the previous financial year.
Street Thursday Market currently takes place on the High Street every Thursday between 9am and 3pm, bringing a mixture of food, specialist and independent traders into the town centre.
In announcing the decision, the authority thanked those who have kept the weekly market running.
It said: "The council thanks its regular traders and market officers for their commitment to Street.
"The council also thanks residents and visitors who have supported Street Thursday Market."
The statement added: "Although the Street Thursday Market will be closing, Street Parish Council remains committed to enhancing the High Street and will be exploring new ways to support local businesses and the wider community."
The final Street Thursday Market is due to take place on Thursday, December 17.
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