Dorchester market income has nose-dived in the past year – mainly because of the Covid pandemic.

The drop in income may finally persuade Dorset Council to hand over the management of the markets to Dorchester Town Council.

The latest figures show income for the 20-21 financial year at £87,300, compared to the pre-Covid estimate of £165,200 – a drop of almost £78,000.

Market stall holders have been praised for their dedication to the town with those who were legally allowed to turning out week after week throughout the pandemic.

The overall deficit includes a £4,800 bad debt provision for a farmers' market which ran in 2018/19 and 2019/20, but never paid the fees.

A similar situation is expected for the market held at Cornhill where only a handful of stalls were able to operate during the year. Market operation did not qualify for any form of government financial support.

A report to councillors concludes that much of the Cornhill debt for 2020/21 will not be recoverable and there is a 'significant risk' that fees for 2021/22 may not be forthcoming, although talks will be held with the operator to agree a reduced fee.

Because the markets are run on a 60-40 profit sharing basis between Dorset Council and Dorchester Town Council, the year-end figures will mean £27,010 going to Dorset Council's coffers, compared to the expected £67,820 with £14,540 to Dorchester Town Council compared to an expected £36,510.

Just over £5,000 will go into the Sunday car boot reserves, compared to a budget of £18,900. All of the reserve is used to make annual grants to local charity and community organisation.

Dorchester Town Council has offered to take over the management of the markets – a position which some claim is backed by the Royal Charter which first allowed the right to run markets to the town.

A behind closed doors discussion will be held about the future operation of the markets at this week's joint markets meeting following the public session which starts at 2pm on Wednesday, June 30 and can be viewed at the time, or afterwards, by using this link .

Dorchester's markets are made up of the weekly Wednesday market; daily stalls at Cornhill; the Sunday car boot sales on the Fairfield site and other occasional markets such as the farmers' market which is held in South Street.