Keswick market is set for another bumper day today under a raft of new regulations brought in to support social distancing and combat the potential spread of coronavirus.
The changes, first implemented two weeks ago, include more marshals, fewer stalls, clearer signs and a strict one-way system for shoppers walking round Market Square where the wearing of face masks was encouraged.
Allerdale Borough Council, which runs the twice-weekly market, acted after a petition was launched on-line calling for the open-air event to be moved or cancelled following complaints about it attracting large numbers of people from all over the UK who were failing to socially distance.
The petition prompted a rival one in support of the market.
The new model was backed by Keswick’s MP and generally welcomed by many shoppers as well as those stallholders still able to trade.
Most shopkeepers also supported it, recognising that the market pulls in customers to the town centre at a time when businesses are trying to claw back revenue lost during lockdown.
The shopkeepers included Cllr Alexandra Boardman, owner of Alexandra’s ladies’ fashion shop in Packhorse Court and who was among several town councillors who supported Allerdale staff by acting as volunteer market marshals.
“There was a very positive response from locals about the one-way system. The market did work a lot better with it.
“You felt safer walking around than the previous week, so from that point of view it was great,” said Cllr Boardman, who swapped her summer fashions for a hi-viz jacket as a steward.
There were some complaints from store managers on the Bell Close side of the square and in Packhorse Court that the anti-clockwise one-way system worked against them, so Allerdale intends to reverse the direction for a trial week shortly.
“It will be great to give it a go clockwise. It was really good for there to be more marshals with a visible presence.
“I answered so many questions about ‘where is this’ and ‘where is that’ from holidaymakers. It was nice to help,” added Cllr Boardman, who stressed that she wore a face mask throughout her stint as a marshal.
Trudy Harrison, the town’s Conservative MP, was also pleased that the market, which had been suspended from late March to mid-June during lockdown, was flourishing under its new format.
She said: “Keswick market is one of many gems in our community. Its traders showcase some of the best produce that Cumbria has to offer.
“As I understand it, Allerdale Borough Council will be consulting with the town council, traders and residents to create a model for the market that ensures appropriate social distancing.
“Any proposals which allow all of our wonderful traders to return, while maintaining a sizeable presence in the ‘formal market’, have my support.
“It is crucial that we get this right.”