THE gavel came down for the final time as the livestock market in Taunton was held for the last time in January 2008.

The closure of Taunton Market brought to an end more than 1,000 years of markets in the county town.

Commenting at the time on the nostalgic day, Taunton Market partner Robert Venner said: “There was a bit of sadness about leaving Taunton, but people know it had to come to an end.

“They appreciate that the site is being taken back for other uses and they are looking forward to Sedgemoor.”

Mr Venner said the last Saturday market was quite busy for January, with 4,253 head of stock and plenty of people.

The market was relocated to the recently opened one-stop agricultural centre at North Petherton, off Junction 24 of the M5.

Ahead of the closure in Taunton, the then Taunton Deane Borough Council had announced plans to redevelop the seven-acre Firepool site off Priory Bridge Road with homes, offices, shops and leisure venues such as bars and restaurants.

Firepool is still vacant, although work is currently being carried out to raise the level of the site to reduce the risk of flooding.