A petition has been launched to close Keswick market or have it moved to a different location because of safety concerns about the possible spread of coronavirus via the large numbers of shoppers who gather there.
The online petition is being supported by hundreds of people who fear the twice-a-week open-air market could pose a health threat as it attracts visitors from all over the UK.
Social distancing has become extremely difficult or impossible at times because so many people have been congregating in Market Square on Thursdays and Saturdays since the lifting of lockdown.
The petition, to be handed in to market organiser Allerdale Borough Council, features a photograph of the market packed with shoppers, many not wearing face masks.
“There have been a lot of visitors coming….social distancing is non-existent.
“The local council (Allerdale) have put a few measures in place but to no avail. Locals won’t go down town. We need it stopped or moved to a car park or an open place until it is safe. We don’t want a second (coronavirus) wave. Let’s get this changed,” said petition organiser Isobel Hamer.
Support came from Stephanie Court, who wrote: “Keswick is too narrow where the market normally is and it prevents the bars and or cafes having socially distanced seating.”
