THE Taunton Deane Divas WI is hosting a market to encourage people to shop locally.

The autumn market takes place on October 17 at St James church hall in Taunton.

President Jen Whitworth thinks shopping locally is the key to a happy town centre, as it would support independent businesses.

She said: “It is really sad that County Stores is closing. The building is beautiful and it is home to such tradition. It is such a local shop and is so lovely.

“If people were shopping locally, then who knows, maybe County Stores wouldn’t be facing the need to close. It is such a big loss to the town.”

This year’s resolution of the WI is to shop local, it believes that it should be supporting local businesses that can’t afford town centre rent.

Mrs Whitworth said: “The sad thing is, the shop could be empty for a while after it closes. It is such a beautiful building, it is going to be such a shame to see it go to waste.

“We need our local businesses, they make us different, they make us Taunton.”

During the market, the hall will be filled with goods from around the area, giving the public the chance to see the Somerset produce on offer.

The WI hope to make the market a frequent event.