What markets in north Nottinghamshire will look like when they reopen

Government lockdown guidelines allow them to reopen on June 1

Changes to layouts, restrictions on customer groups and guided signs for shoppers are some of the measures in place as north Nottinghamshire's market towns reopen their stalls.

Market traders across the country are preparing to restart their businesses from Monday, June 1, with the Government announcing stalls can now recommence trading.

Most traders shut up shop when Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on Monday, March 23, with all non-essential businesses forced to close in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

But now, after 10 long weeks without trade, market stalls will reappear on our streets next week.

And across Mansfield and Ashfield's historic market towns, plans are already underway to support traders through this process.

In Mansfield, some market stalls have remained in Market Place throughout the lockdown - with fruit and veg businesses classed as "essential retailers".

A spokesperson for Mansfield District Council confirmed the town's market will not completely reopen in time for the June 1 date, with the council taking extra measures to ensure it is safe.

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"The safety of traders, customers and the wider public is paramount and the market will not reopen until all the necessary measures are in place", the council said.

"While the council is facilitating the opening of the market, businesses must have completed their own risk assessments and ensured their operating procedures meet the latest government guidance.

"Plans that are being drawn up include fencing off the market and redesigning the layout in the limited space available to ensure social distancing can be followed.

"We are also looking at fees and charges and updating the traders’ terms and conditions to reflect these changes.

"We are in direct contact with traders and will keep them informed and as involved as we possibly can as plans progress."

Ashfield's three markets - Sutton, Kirkby and Hucknall - will all be reopening to the public from June 1, with new measures imposed by the council.

Layouts will be changed at all three sites, while signs will be in place to ensure customers adhere to social distancing.

Councillor Daniel Williamson, cabinet member for corporate communications and governance, explained how the markets will function.

"Not all market stalls will be open initially and not all will be able to offer their full range of goods and services, but within the next few weeks we hope our markets as popular as they were pre-lockdown", he said.

"[We] ask that people do not attend the markets in groups and that shoppers keep two metres apart to protect themselves and the traders.

“We are so pleased that we can reopen our outdoor markets. Now is the perfect time to shop with the local traders, who need your support more than ever."

The Sutton-in-Ashfield market will be open between 9am and 4pm on Mondays, while Kirkby-in-Ashfield's market will be open from 9am until 3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Hucknall Market will be open between 9am and 3pm on Fridays and Saturdays.