Shoalhaven Greyhound Club manager Glenn Midson said the markets have been forced to stop due to increased operating costs and diminishing numbers of stalls and patrons.

“The markets have suffered over the past 12 months or more due to the weather and at times many other activities that run on the market day [swap meets, show and shines, festivals and other charitable fundraisers] that can affect our stall numbers and people patronage,” he said.

“At times the costs are out weighing any gains with insurances and advertising to pay for.

“The markets have been a good attraction and source of income for many not for profit organisations in the community over many years.”

Mr Midson said the market had “stood the test of time” having operated for 15 years.

“The funds raised have assisted the club with improvements to facilities, legal costs when times were tough and more recently our animal welfare and adoption fund which has become a priority in recent years,” he said.

“It is a bit of catch 22, as you need good stalls and good stall numbers for a successful market to attract good people numbers but at times one without the other throws the balance out,” Mr Midson said.

“When the weather turns against you it also throws the regularity out and this has been a problem. You can’t change the weather.”

For instance both the January and February markets were washed out.

He said a washed out market could cost us up to $600 and that was not viable.

“With insurances due on March 1 the club decided to call a halt to the operations,” he said.

“Market people have become fickle too… as it can be too hot, too cold, too wet, too windy making too many too’s to handle.”

The next market was scheduled for March 26 but will not go ahead.

The Shoalhaven Greyhound Club would like to thank the thousands of people who attended the markets held at the Pinebowl track for 15 years and the stall holders who battled long and hard to make a good market.

“Times have changed, costs do rise and the global weather has changed,” Mr Midson said.

“A successful market needs the right mix or good attraction and maybe in the future another market may evolve with that something special.

“It may even come from the greyhound track community facility but time will tell.”