PETERSFIELD Women's Institute Market could soon be back in business.

The weekly market, the longest-running in Hampshire, closed its doors in March after more than 65 years, after failing to elect a new committee to run it.

Now W.I. voluntary county market adviser Maggie Bishop has called a meeting next week in Petersfield and is confident to get the market up and running again by the autumn, back in its old home in St Peter's church hall St. Peter's Road.

"A lot of people were disappointed when the market closed, especially our elderly customers, many of whom live on their own.

"It was a point of contact and people enjoyed the community atmosphere of the market as well as the home-cooking with no added preservatives – it was so sad to see it go," said Mrs Bishop.

"People knew exactly what they were getting and the market was a necessary part of the life of the town," she added.

Hoping for an influx of younger people to take on the running of the market and the chance to talk to prospective producers, Mrs Bishop said new plans would include an area for people to sit and talk over a cup of coffee.

She thought the training of the market shareholders would not be a problem, with many young people aware of the regulations surrounding basic food hygiene.

Two weeks ago the popular plant section of the market started up again at the Petersfield Scout headquarters in Heath Road selling annuals, perennials, shrubs and vegetable plants each Friday morning.

Anyone interested in reviving the market is invited to the meeting in St Peter's Hall on June 22 at 10-30 am, whether they are current shareholders or not. It was also not necessary to be a W.I. member, Mrs Bishop added.

For more information contact Angela Ray on 01730 261520 or Maggie Bishop on 01705 450071.