THE food economy in Bridport is worth an estimated £56 million a year - but 87 per cent of that is spent in supermarkets.

A campaign group - Food Future Bridport - wants to stop what it calculates is more than half a million pounds leaving the local economy every week.

The group is organising a meeting next month to reveal the findings of its research on the current value of Bridport’s local food economy.

Food Future Bridport will be asking the question ‘How Can Bridport Feed Itself?’ at an open meeting on Saturday April 8 at the WI Hall in North Street.

One of the research team Linda Hull said: “Given the implications of the UK leaving the EU, and continuing threats to our food system from climate change, this question has never been more important.

“This research forms part of a wider Community Economic Development process led by Dorset Community Action in partnership with Bridport Town Council.

“The new report’s findings suggest that £56 million a year is spent with food retailers in and around Bridport. Nearly 87 per cent of this is spent in the national supermarket chains. More than half of that £56 million is what each household spends on the weekly shop, 84 per cent of which is also spent at the supermarkets.

“Put simply £525,000 leaves our local economy every week.

“That’s more than half a million pounds a week benefitting distant shareholders elsewhere.”

Findings also show that the food sector employs 27 per of people in Bridport - twice the national average.

Ms Hull added: “Our food economy is big and booming. But how can we keep more of that cool half million food pound spend circulating locally for longer? Can we actually use our weekly food shop to invest in Bridport feeding itself?”

At the meeting Ed Hamer from the Land Workers Alliance will talk about the significance of the local food movement in light of Brexit, West Dorset based Southern Roots Organics will talk about its first Community Supported Agriculture project and there will be a session on community food initiatives and local food businesses.

Admission is by donation on the door and Seats must be bookedat in advance online at how-can-bridport-feed-itself.eventbrite.co.uk