The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Long Sutton Market is to finally re-open on Friday (July 3).
And it will be in the Market Place after objections were a plan to move it to a nearby car park.
That’s held up its return, but a road closure order has now been finalised to allow the market to resume while also providing ample space for those attending to be socially distant.
A spokesman for South Holland District Council, said: “Following the successful return of markets in Spalding, Crowland and Holbeach earlier in June, the two Councils have worked to finalise a road closure in the Market Place for the duration, allowing stalls to move into the road and create a safe distance for visitors to pass between shops and the market without breaking social distancing guidelines.
“This change, along with other guidelines and signage in place, is designed to ensure that everyone can return to the town to shop with confidence, knowing that businesses and councils are making all the necessary precautions designed to keep them safe.
“As part of the return, the Council will continue its District wide decision to not charge rent to stalls throughout July, to support them through the initial period as shoppers begin to return and get used to the new layout and guidelines.”
Councillor Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for place, said: “The closeness between the retail units and market stalls in Long Sutton provided us with a unique challenge in terms of being able to ensure safety for residents, visitors and traders. I am really pleased a solution has now been reached and am looking forward to seeing the market underway again in its usual, popular location.
“The health and safety of everyone involved was always our main priority, and it was important we ensured that all the necessary steps were in place to be COVID compliant before the market returned. I would ask people to be considerate of the new systems and of those around you, as we all get used to this new way of working, shopping and socialising in public spaces.”
