It’s the end of the road for Upchurch village market.

The management committee announced via the parish magazine that it has decided to “bring down the curtain” on the monthly market with immediate effect.

It means local groups and organisations will miss out as proceeds from the non-profit community project were passed on to them.

An open letter from market manager Andrea Candy says: “When the idea of a market was born in early 2011, it was with the expectation of a successful enterprise, attracting quality traders and a regular and substantial footfall of paying customers.

“We enjoyed an excellent inaugural market in June 2011, attended in very large numbers by customers and stallholders alike and there have certainly been one or two successful events along the way. Nevertheless, despite the tireless efforts of my committee to advertise the market and to attract new and varied traders, the general trend has been one of decline, with a dwindling customer base leading inevitably to the gradual withdrawal of many of our key suppliers.

“Our dilemma is best illustrated by the fall in the available charitable donations we have been able to offer. Our first year’s profit was £1,702 and last year’s profit was £975, the combined total of £2,677 having been disposed/dispensed to some 20+ good causes.

“This year’s profit is well down at £456 but I feel that the committee can be well proud of its achievement in generating a total profit in excess of £3,000 over the past three years.”

The organisers finally admitted defeat after barely 100 visitors were recorded at May’s event – the lowest numbers to date.

Ms Candy said: “May I offer my thanks to my committee members for their hard work throughout the life of the market and to those hardy souls who have consistently supported us. On an optimistic note, we are discussing a Christmas market. So, a note for your diary – Sunday, November 23 from 10am.”