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Following recent announcements around lockdown rules, outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen in line with social distancing guidelines.

Some local authorities, such as Durham County Council, have already announced phased reopenings of outdoor markets to help support the local economy.

It is hoped this will be boosted further when other non-essential retail outlets begin reopening from June 15.

South Shields Market Place has had no stalls since the pandemic lockdown.

In South Tyneside, council chiefs have confirmed safety checks are under way with a view of reopening South Shields market.

A South Tyneside Council spokeswoman said: “We are currently undertaking a risk assessment to inform the safe reopening of South Shields Market, in line with the Government’s guidelines around social distancing.

“Our priority is for the safety of both traders and members of the public and we will be working with traders around the introduction of new measures to support social distancing.”

South Shields market place has been remodelled recently as part of the council’s 365 regeneration scheme.

South Shields Market Place with stalls and shoppers before the lockdown.

The traditional market normally takes place every Monday and Saturday between 9am and 4pm offering a variety of goods from clothes, toys and books to household items and plants.

The flea market also usually takes place every Friday between 9am and 4pm offering fresh fruit and vegetables, sweet stalls, jewellery, vintage clothing, dog treats and more.

A statement on South Tyneside Council’s website says the market place “makes an important contribution to the success of the lively pedestrianised town centre with a range of high street stores together with some excellent pubs and restaurants.”

A further update on the future of the market is expected later this week.

Prior to the coronavirus crisis, traders had been making a renewed effort to breath life back into the traditional market, which has dwindled in recent years despite the market square undergoing a revamp as part of the 365 regeneration scheme.

For more information, visit: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/34457/South-Shields-market

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