Lancaster Charter Market to re-open in new temporary location this weekend

The twice weekly traditional street market, which is managed by Lancaster City Council and sets up in Lancaster city centre on Wednesdays and Saturdays, has remained closed during the coronavirus lockdown.

Its move from Market Square and adjacent streets to Dalton Square, a short distance away, will create a new, secure trading environment, ensuring that there is adequate space for both businesses and customers.

It is just one of a range of safety measures put in place by the council to allow and maintain social distancing and keep shoppers, traders and markets staff safe.

The city council has been working with traders to examine how to re-open the market safely in accordance with the guidelines to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

A road closure will be in place to prevent traffic from entering Dalton Square.

This will be supported by new signage, trader-only areas and hand sanitising stations alongside marshals who will help advise and assist visitors to follow the new guidance.

Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox, Cabinet member with responsibility for markets, said: “The re-opening of Lancaster’s popular street market is great news and something I am sure many people have been looking forward to.

“It’s been a difficult time for small independent businesses and traders and whilst we are urging people to support them, it’s important that everyone follows the rules to stay safe by giving everyone space, practising good hygiene, using cashless methods (if you can) and only picking up things you are going to buy.

“Once the market is up and running, we will be monitoring its operation closely. We want to give everyone the confidence that they can shop as safely as possible. Please come down to Dalton Square and support your local traders.”

The market will be open as it has traditionally done so every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 4.30pm for the foreseeable future.

Whilst it is up to individual traders to decide when they want to re-join the market, shoppers can expect to see a wide selection of their favourite stalls back in action from the off.

For more information on developments and traders who will be joining the market as soon as it re-openings and those expecting to follow, keep an eye of the Charter Market Facebook page - @lancasterchartermarket

The council-run Festival Market in Morecambe has already partly re-opened for essential goods and services with plans to fully re-open on Thursday, July 2.

Discussions are ongoing with traders at the council's Assembly Rooms Emporium on King Street in Lancaster with a view to it re-opening soon.