A POPULAR market that has operated in Portishead for more than 25 years has been saved from closure.

The Friday market, which runs from The Poacher ale house and café bar car park in the High Street, was under threat when operators JC Markets announced they want to concentrate on sites on the south coast.

Loman Estates, which runs The Poacher, has now stepped in to secure the market’s future.

James Low, operations director for Loman Estates, said: “We believe the market is an important part of the High Street and the Portishead community. It is our intention to increase the number of stall holders over the coming months, offer free concessions to local groups and charities and we have also set up a Facebook page where market traders can promote themselves on.

“The object is to bring more people to the market and to Portishead, which will benefit the High Street in general as well as the existing market traders.”

The market is open every Friday from 8am to 3pm.

Charities wanting to take advantage of the free offer can call James on 07796 016417 or email Portisheadmarket@gmail.com