A FOOD market due to be held at Matthews Hall has been cancelled. The Slow Food Devon Topsham Markets, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, will no longer take place due to modernisation work being carried out at the hall.

A FOOD market due to be held at Matthews Hall has been cancelled.

The Slow Food Devon Topsham Markets, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, will no longer take place due to modernisation work being carried out at the hall. Last Sunday's was also cancelled.

Marc Millon, co-organiser of the event, said it was a difficult and disappointing decision.

But, he added: "With producer numbers down and the ongoing works on Matthews Hall likely to have a considerable, adverse effect on the numbers attending the market, we have decided to cancel.

"The monthly market has established itself as part of Topsham community life, and I'm really sorry to disappoint those who were looking forward to attending.

"However, the work on the hall will be fantastic once completed and we look forward to re-launching the market on Sunday, September 20."

The venue, used for entertainment, culture and community activities, is now in its second phase of redevelopment work - a phase of the modernisation project where most of the alterations will be carried out.

Changes to the hall, leased to the Topsham Community Association by Exeter City Council as part of a 28-year agreement, include a ramp being built for wheelchair access to the main entrance.

The ground floor area will house a new caf� with access to refurbished male, female and disabled toilets, a new kitchen and bar.

A chair lift will be installed inside the building and the police office will be relocated to the existing kitchen behind the stage.

Matthews Hall received a total of �1,709 from retail traders including the Slow Food Market for use of the premises last year.