Markets run by Allerdale Borough Council in Workington and Keswick will resume from next week with an array of safety measures put in place.
The first market to be held will be in Workington on Wednesday, June 17, while the first market in Keswick will be the following day (Thursday, June 18). Both markets will also run on Saturday, June 20.
All markets in Allerdale were suspended on March 23 in line with Government guidance on coronavirus however, open air markets are now allowed to reopen after ministers continue to ease lockdown restrictions.
When the markets return a number of safety measures will be in place, meaning some regular visitors will notice some changes to their normal experience. These include:
- Hand-washing/hand sanitiser units will be in place across the market sites while traders will also be required to provide their own hand-washing facilities
- Extra cleaning and disinfecting of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly
- Signage reminding members of the public to adhere to social distancing guidelines and encouraging frequent hand-washing will be on show
- Stalls to be spaced at least 2m apart and one-way movement to be encouraged
Both markets will be running at a reduced capacity, while Workington market will be held over Pow Street and Upton Street (near its junction with Central Way).
The return of the markets has been done in consultation with town councils, traders and local councillors.
Mike Johnson, deputy leader and executive member for economic growth, community development and placemaking said: “We know how important the markets we run are for our local communities which is why the council has worked hard alongside our partners to reopen them.
“We can assure residents and visitors alike that keeping people as safe as possible is our number one priority, therefore we ask that everyone respects the various safety measures we have put in place and helps our popular markets return smoothly.”
The council, which officially took over the management of the markets on June 1, is continuing is preparations in order to resume the markets in Wigton and Silloth.
