BURY Market reopened last week for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown was announced.
Shoppers came to find a social-distance system in place to keep them safe so they could snap up bargains from the 300 plus market stalls.
The vast majority of stalls had been forced to close since March so there was an air of relief amongst the traders and shoppers.
Plans are being made to safely reopen cafes, hairdressers and nail bars in the near future – probably on 4th July.
A number of measures have been put in place to protect traders and shoppers, in line with Government Covid-19 guidance. These include social distancing signage, floor markings and a one-way system on the parades.
There is also a limited entry to the Market Hall and Fish and Meat Hall.
To help Bury Market return to normal the council has been providing traders with a range of support measures — including a £1.7 million financial package.
All traders were given a two-month rent holiday from March 16 to May 16 at a cost of £400,600 to the council.
To ensure further protection, two further rent holiday have been granted, costing an additional £318,850.