“Protecting our staff and communities is paramount”
To comply with the sterner measures putting in place by the government about the movement of people, the protection of vulnerable groups and the closure of non-essential shops, Ulverston Community Enterprises – the not-for-profit organisation that manages the markets and The Coronation Hall – has closed the indoor market in Ulverston for now, this includes the public toilets and the police desk.
Ceri Hutton, Chair of Ulverston Community Enterprises (UCE) said: “We have spoken with all the market traders, some of whom have already stopped trading, and others who fall into the vulnerable group category that must self-isolate. UCE staff are responsible for ensuring the safety of the traders and the users of the indoor market. Protecting our staff and communities is paramount. We must all take responsibility for helping to stop the spread of the virus. The local police support the temporary closure decision.”
UCE has agreed that the traders will be able to access their goods within the market hall so they can join with other Ulverston businesses operating delivery services to the community if they wish. No public access to the market will be allowed and no collections from the market. Ceri said, “We will have a list of stall holders who continue to operate via deliveries and their phone numbers posted up outside the market entrances and outside The Coronation Hall. They will also be added to The Coronation Hall website and the local shop delivery list that Ulverston Town Council are keeping up-to-date on their website. Billy the greengrocer has already said he will be taking orders and delivering after 3pm every day.” Orders can be placed with Billy by calling 07456 320736. Other traders will be added as and when they decide to continue delivery operations.
The outdoor market will continue on Thursdays and Saturdays. Customers are welcome to use the market for essential goods but maintain proper social distancing and wash their hands when they return home.
The Coronation Hall is now closed to the public. Ceri said: “The Coronation Hall is an important venue for our community. The regular events that run there, like the coffee mornings and the country market have had to stop for now, which we know will be a blow to many who look forward to these events to meet up with friends. We have told our community partners that as soon as we are able to, these events will be up and running again.”
The only event that will continue at The Coronation Hall for now is the blood donor session on Thursday 26 March, which remains an essential service to support the NHS during this pandemic. THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC EVENT. Only those with a pre-arranged appointment to give blood will be allowed to enter the building. For the safety of the blood donation team and Coronation Hall staff, walk-up offers to donate blood are not permitted. If people are unable to make their appointment please let the NHS Donor service know so the appointment can be given to someone else – Donor Line 0300 123 23 23.
