Outdoor market to re-open this week

Published Monday, 14th September 2020

Hartlepool’s weekly outdoor market is to re-open on Thursday with a number of COVID-19 safety measures in place.

It will take place from 7.30am-4pm at its usual location in the westside car park at the rear of York Road.

The safety measures which are in line with government advice and guidance, include the introduction of a one-way system and slightly different stall set-up to maximise the use of available space and manage the flow of shoppers in a socially distanced way, hand sanitising stations and signage.

Whilst face coverings are not mandatory in outside trading conditions, members of the public are being encouraged to wear them wherever possible when visiting the market.

Gemma Ptak, Assistant Director (Preventative and Community-Based Services), said: “A number of markets elsewhere in the region have already re-opened following lockdown closure, and we now feel able to do the same.

“We have a put a lot of thought into how we can safely re-open in a way that best protects both shoppers and traders, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time.

“We would urge people to support us by following the rules on social distancing, keeping their hands clean and wearing a face covering wherever possible.

“The decision to re-open will be kept under regular review and if people don’t support our efforts to make the market as safe as possible then we may have to implement another temporary closure.”