A popular monthly market will be back in town this weekend.

Bridport Farmers’ Market will return on Saturday to a new location and with social distancing measures in place.

The market, which used to be held on the art centre forecourt, will be in Barrack Street and the Lyric Theatre for the first time.

Town surveyor Daryl Chambers said: “Following the announcement that the monthly farmers’ market was looking for a new venue in Bridport, I met with them to suggest Barrack Street and the Lyric Theatre. We approached Dorset Council to obtain a road closure on Saturdays for Barrack Street from the Stevenson’s Court entrance.

“The first market is on Saturday, July 11, this follows on from measures to relocate market stalls, new ‘your town’ signage and the smiley face safe distancing campaign

“We hope this scheme will relocate the farmers’ market, boost all the businesses in Barrack Street by the extra footfall, allow businesses to have outdoor seating - Green Yard Café, Bearkat and the Tiger Inn - no stalls will be placed outside existing shops, no parking will be lost and a safe walking rout into town.

“We know that this scheme may not be to everyone’s liking but the town council believes this is another step to rebuilding the market, local business and economy of the town centre.”

The farmers’ market had to find a new home after it was announced earlier this year that the art centre forecourt would be used for customers to eat and drink, however it is currently being used by Bridport market stalls while the centre is closed.

A spokesman for Dorset Farmers’ Markets (DFM) said: “We suspended markets throughout lockdown and we are restarting this month. We were unfortunately unable to extend our arrangement with the Bridport Arts. We decided to work with the town council and join the market in Barrack Street with some traders who need to be inside at the Lyric Theatre.

“We have put plans to relocate to the youth centre on hold for now but will look at this option again in the autumn as it’s a fantastic venue with potential to expand the DFM.

“We have a Covid-19 risk management plan and all traders have completed a Covid-19 risk assessment for their business. We are working in partnership with Dorset Food and Drink whose members will also be involved and who are helping to manage the market ‘on the ground’ with signage, use of PPE etc.

“We are also grateful to Cornish Mutual who are supporting us as a local not-for-profit organisation.”