Published on Friday 29 May 2020
Following the latest government guidance on the partial lifting of lockdown restrictions, some of BCP Council’s outdoor markets are able to reopen from Monday 1 June.
Christchurch market is able to reopen on Monday 1 June, followed by Boscombe market on Thursday 4 June.
The markets, which will focus on the sale of food only at this stage, can reopen with a number of safety measures in place. Customers are advised to follow social distancing advice as they make their way around the market and each pitch will be smaller in size and four metres apart which will allow for approximately 30% of the usual stalls. Stall operators will also adopt the recommended PPE guidelines in order to comply with safety procedures.
Cllr Lewis Allison, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Communities, commented:
"The approval to reopen outdoor markets is a welcome step forward in our slow return to a new normality. Our outdoor markets form a vital part of our communities and many residents are keen to see them open so they can once again support local traders.
"It’s vitally important that everyone takes responsibility for social distancing, to ensure the markets can continue to run safely."
Operations will be reviewed on a weekly basis to ensure they are continuing safely.
The reopening of the Poole market is still under consideration due to the challenges around social distancing at this site.