Councillors have met to discuss the future of Dorchester’s historic market – but we're still no closer to knowing its new location.

Members of the Dorchester markets joint informal panel, which includes district and town councillors, met to discuss a report on the future of the charter market.

The weekly market will be relocated as part of plans for a large development of shops on Fairfield car park, as well as food retail outlets on Charles Street.

West Dorset District Council (WDDC) said the purpose of the meeting was to agree a way forward to ensure the market 'continues to contribute to the prosperity of the town'.

However following discussions, the panel decided to meet again at the end of February to discuss the vision 'in more detail'.

In a report put before councillors, it stated that the historic market has seen turnover and physical site usage decline in recent years.

It went on to say that traditional markets focused on low cost consumer goods have come under intense pressure, with both WDDC and Dorchester Town Council (DTC) needing to support 'innovation and reinvention' of Dorchester market.

Cllr Mary Penfold, chairman of the panel, said: "Members discussed the report at length, and the decision has been taken to meet again at the end of February. This meeting will discuss the realisation of the proposed vision in more detail.

"We cannot emphasise enough how important the presence of the market is to Dorchester. At the present time, the market will stay at its current Fairfield location.

"We all aspire to a vibrant market that our communities can be proud of. With that in mind, we will be looking to engage our local community after the latest talks. Local businesses, traders from the market, visitors and residents will all have the chance to have their say."

Following the meeting of the panel, DTC's full council met to discuss its formal position regarding the redevelopment of Charles Street and Fairfield car parks.

The full council previously held three informal meetings regarding the future of retail in Dorchester.

Cllr David Taylor said: “People come to Dorchester to experience the unique shopping experience we have.

“We need to make sure people come to Dorchester and invest in Dorchester as an option for our future.

“There is going to be an increased population with the proposed creation of around 5,000 new houses. Dorchester needs to be commercially ready to receive these future customers.”

Councillors voted unanimously to adopt a position statement which includes safeguarding Dorchester's historic role as a market town. It will also urge that a deliverable strategy is developed to work with market operators to retain and develop the town’s markets