Grantham Market 'well-run and busy' as it includes 'non-essential' traders

The expansion of Grantham Market to include 'non-essential' traders on Saturday was successful, according to the district council.

Fifteen stalls were set up, compared to eight in Bourne and 35 in Stamford, all run by South Kesteven District Council.

Customers were asked to observe the two-metre social distancing guidelines, and signs and barriers were placed at key points to support shoppers and traders and remind them of the regulations.

SKDC’s cabinet member for culture and visitor economy Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew said: “Key to the success of keeping our markets open has been the community spirit and mutual respect and responsibly shown by everyone involved.

"Like many other businesses, traders have had a very difficult time and I am delighted that we have now been able to open our markets to more of them offering a wider variety of goods.

“All three markets were well-run and busy. Public safety remains a priority and stallholders were advised to follow Government guidelines on hygiene and use hand sanitiser regularly. Customers were asked to use contactless payment methods when possible.

“There is no doubt that keeping our markets running throughout the pandemic stood us in good stead for when the easing of restrictions allowed more traders to attend.”

Grantham Market continued to trade throughout the early stages of lockdown as traders selling food were allowed to sell as 'essential' traders.