'Safer than a supermarket' - Harrogate Council defends decision to keep outdoor markets going during lockdown

Traders have today, Wednesday, set up stalls of essential goods in Knaresborough - and they will do the same tomorrow in Ripon.

This is after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should only leave their homes for basic necessities, and that this should be done as infrequently as possible.

But despite following the government guidelines that markets are okay to go ahead, Harrogate Borough Council has been criticised online by social media users who said they have made a "wrong" and "irresponsible" decision.

Some residents, however, have praised the council for "not overreacting" and following the latest advice.

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In response to their critics, the council said: "Government advice is that markets can continue so long food or essential goods are being sold. At a time when supermarkets and other food retailers are under pressure.

"It makes sense to offer another opportunity for people to get the supplies they need. Both Knaresborough and Ripon markets are open air, not enclosed spaces like supermarkets and the traders who are trading will be spaced out across the sites.

"While keeping two metres apart in an open space can be a challenge, we believe our residents can be trusted to be mindful of the current advice and respect each other and our valued independent traders.

"We are not the only council in North Yorkshire currently permitting open air markets to continue. That said, we continue to review these arrangements on a daily basis, in line with the advice we receive from government."

Elsewhere in the UK, some markets are closing amid measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, while others are being monitored by police.

In North Lincolnshire, East Lindsey District Council made a u-turn on its decision to hold its markets following a backlash from social media users, according to local media.

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Government guidance published following Monday’s announcement from the Prime Minister states, “Market stalls which offer essential retail, such as grocery and food. Shopping centres should stay open if they contain units which are not required to close.”

Harrogate Borough Council said traders are being spread across its market sites, keeping two metres apart. It is also asking shoppers to be mindful of the need to be socially distant from each other and the traders.

Official figures show that as of 9am on Tuesday, March 24 there are 8,077 confirmed cases in the UK, of which 30 are in North Yorkshire and 11 in York.

In the UK there have been 422 deaths.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter