‘BLINKING fantastic’ is how one trader described being back in Newton Abbot’s Market Hall after a deteriorating roof timber prompted the council to temporarily close the historic building.

‘It was heart-wrenching, I tell you, not being able to trade’ said Diane Smith of Newton Phone Repairs.

‘The council were great, they offered us a space in the food hall, but it just wasn’t viable, so being back is blinking fantastic!’ she added.

The historic, grade II listed building was closed last Thursday, September 7, following an inspection by Teignbridge District Council.

The inspection uncovered deterioration with some of the wooden roof trusses.

‘I understand why the council did it, a few days was not realistic, by the time they got surveyors in and so on, but they have informed us it is safe, which is great because that means we can trade!’ Diane added.

While traders like Diane were unable to operate as normal, several did manage to continue, albeit in a limited capacity, from the Food Hall.

One such trader was Kim Ludlow of Something Different and Puzzles, who set up shop in the space formerly occupied by Bakers the Butchers.

‘The family is back together - it’s so nice to be back in the Market Hall’ Kim said

The disruption to traders’ day-to-day activities during the temporarily closure of the Market Hall was unavoidable.

But what plans are in place for the future stages of the planned redevelopment of the space?

Teignbridge District Council were approached for comment, but non was forthcoming.