Mendip District Council has suspended Shepton Mallet Market with immediate effect.

The council says it comes as tougher restrictions are placed on people's movements nationwide, to curb Covid-19.

The market played an important role in providing essential goods to communities during the initial weeks of the outbreak.

The council tried to maintain a food-only market to support residents and traders, but it did not have enough stall-holders available to trade to constitute a market. A decision was therefore made to close it for the foreseeable future.

Mendip says it continues to work closely with local traders across the district during this difficult time, and apologises to residents for any disappointment or inconvenience caused.

Finally, the council wishes to thank the public for supporting Mendip Markets and looks forward to a time when they can reopen again, to serve their communities.