‘I would like to keep us open, but we need more back-up’

A community market described as ‘one of Sidmouth’s best kept secrets’ will be forced to close, if it does not receive more local support.

This is the message from organisers of the weekly event in Kennaway House, who say they are struggling to keep going with an inconsistent flow of visitors.

Mark Wood and Steve Hendrickse have run the market in the St John Ambulance hall for three years, but were dealt a blow when the charity announced plans to sell the venue, meaning it will close on July 28.

Faced with closure, the pair sought new premises in Kennaway House with the hope of establishing a thriving Friday market for the whole community, but say they desperately need more support to make it a viable option.

Mark said: “We are getting holiday makers, but not locals. It is one of the best kept secrets in Sidmouth. We definitely need support from the community, otherwise this will go in the same way the St John’s Ambulance Hall market is going.”

Steve added: “I would like to keep us open, but we need more back-up.”

The market hosts local stalls with good-quality produce and crafts, as well as offering refreshments and a place to sit and socialise.

Stallholder Debbie Eden, of Floralities, said: “If it was something people came to on a regular basis, it would attract more stallholders and we could turn it into a fantastic facility for locals to get fresh produce, gifts and flowers.”

The market is open every Friday, from 9am to 5pm, in the Cellar Bar at Kennaway House.