Keswick market will not return until next month at the earliest, it was confirmed this week.
Allerdale Borough Council had delayed making a decision on when either of the town’s “COVID-safe” Thursday or Saturday outdoor markets which it runs could be held during the current government-imposed lockdown.
Non-essential shops in England have been forced to close since the new rules were brought in last week, but those selling food, including takeaways, have been able to continue trading.
Both the midweek and weekend markets in Keswick have a wide range of stallholders selling food, including cheese, bread, cakes, meat, preserves and fruit and veg.
The authority issued an update on Tuesday which said: “Following consultation with traders and local councillors, our markets in Keswick, Workington and Wigton will now remain closed until the new national restrictions are lifted.
“We encourage people to adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions by staying at home as much as possible and avoiding social contact. If you need to shop for essentials, please consider supporting local businesses as much as you can.
‘We will soon be launching an online directory for our market traders to give customers information on how they can buy their goods online, through home delivery or other methods. We will share details of this shortly.”
Allerdale had received some criticism when it continued holding its Keswick market right up until three days before the first national lockdown in March.
There was also concern when it returned in the summer and attracted large crowds from all over Cumbria and beyond, forcing Allerdale to bring in new measures including a one-way system for shoppers and fewer stalls.
This week’s announcement means the markets will not be held in Keswick until at least Thursday, 4th December — two days after the lockdown is scheduled to end.
