A MARKET which has been running for nearly 30 years is being forced to pack up permanently because of lack of support

A MARKET which has been running for nearly 30 years is being forced to pack up permanently because of lack of support.The last Weston Country Market, formerly known as the WI (Women's Institute) Market, will be held on May 30.The event has been running on Wednesdays at Corpus Christi Church Hall in Ellenborough Park South, Weston, since 1978 but due to a lack of volunteers and customers it has been forced to close for good.Market chairman Sheila Huish, who is also the secretary of West Mendip WI, said: "We have taken the decision to close because of a lack of people turning up to the event and not enough helpers. It is not a viable proposition anymore."I think Weston is losing a good source of home cooking. A lot of people also just pop in for a coffee and cake."The market used to be part of the national WI organisation but two years ago it broke away from the group and became independent. The event has continued to be run by current and former WI members as well as other members of the community.Philippa Bowkett, who lives in Landemann Circus, has become a regular visitor to the market since she moved to Weston eight years ago.She said: "These ladies have worked hard over the years to give people a lot of pleasure on Wednesday mornings."These things do not just happen. The work behind the scenes is tremendous and we shall certainly miss the homemade delicacies each week."Homemade food fans will not miss out completely. Volunteers will still be taking part in the Weston farmers' market which is held in the Town Square behind the Winter Gardens on the second Saturday of each month.