PLANS for a food market at a Penarth gallery have been shelved.

Jenny Yeo, founder of local trader group Merchants of Penarth, wanted to host a '50 mile market' at the Grade II listed Turner House Gallery in September, with producers from within that radius invited to sell their goods.

But after outrage from opponents to the plan on social media, and even personal abuse against Mrs Yeo herself, she said she has decided not to go ahead with the idea.

She said: "This was an unpleasant and unexpected experience that I am not in a rush to repeat.

"I thank all those in Penarth who have been supportive and in favour of the market.

"The vast majority saw it as an asset, bringing new people into the gallery and widening it’s reach.

"Three hours once a month would not have marginalised the artists who I hoped would also approach the leaseholders and work with them for more opportunities to use this beautiful building for the benefit of the wider community.

"However, having not intended to be a controversial figure, the extreme views taken by the minority and the disturbing amount of personal abuse I have received I will no longer be going ahead with the plans."

Residents took to social media three weeks ago to voice their concern over what impact the market might have on the art exhibited there.

Mrs Yeo said at the time that she hoped the market would help encourage more people into the gallery to view the work and make more use of the historic gallery.

But opponents to the plan pointed out that the gallery was gifted to the town by James Pyke Thompson in 1921, with the exhibition of art to be its sole purpose.

The building is currently on a lease from the National Museum Wales to Ffotogallery, which is the national development agency for photography and lens based media in Wales.

Ffotogallery had supported Mrs Yeo's scheme.

But those who expressed their opposition said they felt it could lead to the art being marginalised.

Mrs Yeo said she had wanted to add to the culture and reach of the gallery and provide a place for local producers to display their goods as she said some have difficulty accessing similar existing markets.

Alternative plans are said to be being looked into for the market, but further details are yet to be released.