Keswick’s popular open-air market is back after a three-month break and is leading the slow return of shoppers to the town centre after coronavirus lockdown.
Traders were at their stalls on Thursday 18th June for the first time since Saturday 21st March although in reduced numbers to help comply with two-metre social distancing regulations.
There were also noticeably fewer shoppers but it was welcome progress according to Sally Kidman, who runs Derwent Frames shop in High Hill but has also traded at the town’s market for 25 years. “We’re glad the markets are up and running again and pleased with the response from the locals. It feels like a step towards normality. It’s very important from a business point of view that we were able to return,” said Sally.
David Lamont, of Relish coffee shop and takeaway on Derwent Close, said it was important for local high street businesses that the market had returned. “We’re really pleased the markets are back. It’s a positive for the town and will help bring people back. It’s great to see the traders back after such a long time away,” he said.
The markets are now run by Allerdale Borough Council, which took over this month from private operator Geraud. Besides fewer and more spaced apart stalls, the Thursday and Saturday markets now feature a range of safety measures, including hand sterilisation stations to safeguard customers, traders and local residents.
Keswick’s deputy mayor Cllr David Burn was among the shoppers at the first market since the enforced suspension. He said: “There were not that many people around but certainly more than we have had of late. Not many people were wearing masks and observance of social distancing was patchy but I asked a couple of storekeepers whether they had had increased business as a result of the market being on and was given positive responses. They said business had been better today, with more people being around.”
Cllr Mike Johnson, deputy leader of Allerdale Borough Council, said: “As a council we’re committed to help our towns thrive economically and play a key role in supporting business. We know how important our markets are in creating vibrant town centres and that’s why we’ve worked hard to bring them back.”
