South Shields flea market set to reopen on Friday as lockdown restrictions eased

In line with government guidance, outdoor markets across the country have been allowed to welcome the public providing social distancing can be maintained.

The town’s Saturday market has now been in operation for two weeks following the introduction of measures to ensure the safety of both shoppers and traders.

From this Friday, June 26, the flea market will relaunch offering a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, sweet stalls, jewellery, vintage clothing and more.

However, additional measures will also be put in place to ensure people can browse and shop with confidence.

The market area will be enclosed with safety barriers, with separate entrance and exit points and stewards to guide people around a one-way system and control the number of shoppers entering at any one time.

There will also be additional signage and hand sanitiser stations available.

Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy for South Tyneside Council, Coun John Anglin, welcomed the move.

“This is an evolving situation and we’re continually reviewing the social distancing measures we have in place to ensure the safety of shoppers and traders,” he said.

“We’re implementing some additional measures which we hope will reassure customers that they can shop with confidence and will support traders to be able to operate safely.”

The reopening of the market is a key element in the return of town centre shopping as non-essential retail businesses have been allowed to resume trading as part of government plans to restart local economies.

Coun Anglin added: “The market is part of the fabric of the town centre and we’re keen to be help stall holders bounce back from the impact of coronavirus, while at the same time, protecting the health and safety of shoppers.

“We know that the vast majority of people have been using common sense during the pandemic and we’d urge them to continue doing so if they plan to visit the market and wider town centre.

“We’d ask everyone to respect the measures in place and be patient and courteous with fellow shoppers.”

According to the council’s website, the flea market will run on Fridays from 9.30am to 3pm.

The traditional South Shields Market usually operates on Mondays and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Monday market remains suspended and will be considered in due course.

Council bosses have urged anyone visiting the market to follow social distancing rules, to follow the advice of Public Health England and to practice good hygiene, using hand sanitiser and regularly washing their hands.

For more information about South Shields Market visit the council’s website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/market

Updates on council services affected by coronavirus, as well as advice and support, can be found here: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/coronavirus

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