MARKET traders in Dorchester have been granted a temporary reprieve from the threat of closure.

Stallholders at Cornhill Market at the top of South Street have been told that the proposals that would have seen them close in 2014 have now been deferred.

Traders were outraged after learning that plans to cease trading at the market were being discussed at a closed meeting of West Dorset District Council’s Dorchester markets informal joint panel last week.

A report considered by the panel claimed the Cornhill Market ‘did not add to the street scene of South Street or the shopping experience’.

Traders have now been told by the council that the plans were not being discarded but deferred while the council looks to bring in consultants and possibly work with the Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District) to develop a vision for South Street.

The council is also welcoming input from the market stallholders.

Rowena Evans from Country Arts Picture Framers said: “We can but hope they will listen.”