BARNARD Castle’s weekly market may reopen next week.
In line with the latest government announcement, which outlined that outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from June 1, Durham County Council has confirmed that the county’s markets began to run again from the beginning of the month.
Chiefs hope the move will benefit the county by getting people back to work while supporting the economy. They say this will be boosted further when other non-essential retail outlets begin reopening from June 15.
Barnard Castle’s market may reopen on Wednesday, June 10. It is run by the town council on behalf of the county council.
There had been fears that the market would not open anytime soon, after the town clerk, Martin Clark, said officials were “firmly” of the view that it would be difficult to maintain social distancing.
However, a spokesman from Durham County Council has since said market operators have been advised on comprehensive risk assessments which have been put place to ensure the “safe operation of the markets for both customers and traders” .
Mr Clark said this week: “The town council is now working toward safely operating its Wednesday market from June 10 as the date provisionally set. We are working with colleagues at Durham County Council to ensure a risk assessment is carried out to ensure the safety of the stall holders, customers of the market and others using the high street. When we are satisfied that all measures are going to be in place we will allow the market to re-open. Our aim is for June 10 but we remain cautious as that is only right and proper.”
Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The reopening of the county’s outdoor markets, and the reopening of other non-essential retail to closely follow, is a welcome return for our high streets that will positively impact the county’s economy while ensuring that people’s jobs are secure and they can begin returning to work.
“However, the health and safety of the public while using the outdoor markets, bus services and retail areas is our highest priority, and we have arranged the introduction of appropriate measures which can assist with social distancing.”
