An indoor market in Weymouth town centre has closed its doors for good amid plans for the building to be demolished and turned into flats.

The former Colwell Centre on School Street reopened as the School Street Plaza in June 2017.

Mike Ellery, who previously managed Brewers Quay Emporium, ran the indoor market which included a café and shops.

When the Plaza first opened, he called on the people of Weymouth to support the independent traders.

However, Mr Ellery said this has not happened: “I was shocked to be honest. When we started there was a lot of support for us and it looked like it would go well but, in the end, we couldn’t attract enough trade. Everyone wants something for nothing."

He claimed: “All independent shops in Weymouth are closed or closing because rent and business rates are too high.

“The area of Weymouth doesn’t do enough to help small, independent businesses and these shops are dying.

“The problem is that once bills, business rates, staff salaries and stock have been added up, no independent business in Weymouth can be viable."

The Colwell Centre has had quite a difficult past few years.

It was Weymouth’s first indoor shopping complex when it was built more than 30 years ago, but shoppers and retailers later deserted it in favour of the town centre and the building fell into a dilapidated state.

Planning permission was given in 2015 for the building’s owner, Paul Pressland of 10ant Ltd, to demolish the existing buildings and erect two shop units and 23 apartments with parking, bin and cycle stores.

Development was put on hold however when a new indoor market venture was given the opportunity to thrive and breathe new life back into the building with new works undertaken.

Mr Ellery stepped in and took over the running of the indoor market after it failed to open as promised in April 2017.

Traders had arrived to find that the locks had been changed the day before the market was due to launch.

They were then unable to contact businessman Tony Peers, who was behind the venture.

Mr Ellery managed to get it up and running again, but it now seems as though the centre will be closed for good.