A LACK of stallholders has prompted organisers to cancel a Portland plant sale that was due to be held off the island for the first time.

Portland Rotary Club has made a last-minute decision to abandon the plans to hold its annual Plant and Craft Fair at Weymouth’s Value House in Wyke Regis this year.

The event has been held at the Pennsylvania Castle home of club member Sarah Curtis for the last decade, but has had to move now that the castle has been sold.

Part of the attraction of the event has always been a chance to roam the grounds and to spend a leisurely day enjoying the views.

No other venue has been found that can replace this.

The club had been working with the co-operation of Value House as an alternative site, following on from the success of the beer festival held there, and the help of the store with the club’s Christmas Santa promotion.

Unfortunately stallholders have not taken to the new venue, and the club has had to cancel the event, which was due to be held on May 21.

President elect Stan Knight said: “It is a shame we have had to cancel, especially at the last minute like this.

“But stallholders felt they could not realistically attend and compete with the garden centre at Value House.

“Too many events are leaving the island because of lack of suitable venues. We must learn our lesson and keep Portland events within the community of Portland.

“We hope to build this into an annual event of note for future years.”

The Rotary club of the Island and Royal Manor of Portland would like to apologise for the late notice.