Friday Market Ready to Welcome Shoppers

South Shields' Friday flea market will resume from this week, following the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions.

Outdoor markets across the country have been allowed to reopen to the public provided they can maintain social distancing.

The town's Saturday market has been in operation for two weeks following the introduction of various measures to ensure the safety of both shoppers and traders.

From this Friday (June 26) the flea market will go ahead, with additional measures being implemented to ensure people can browse and shop with confidence.

The market area will be enclosed with safety barriers, with separate entrance and exit points and stewards to guide people round the one-way system and to control the number of shoppers entering at any one time. There will also be additional signage and hand sanitiser stations.

Cllr John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: "We're pleased to be able to relaunch the Friday flea market this week.

"The Saturday market has been operating for the last fortnight and we have been monitoring it closely.

"This is an evolving situation and we are continually reviewing the social distancing measures we have in place to ensure they safety of shopper and traders.

"We are implementing some additional measures which we hope will reassure customers that they can shop with confidence and will support traders to be able to operate safely."

The reopening of the market is a key element in the return of town centre shopping as non-essential retail businesses have been allowed to resume trading as part of government plans to restart local economies.

Cllr Anglin added: "The market is part of the fabric of the town centre and we're keen to be help stall holders bounce back from the impact of coronavirus, while at the same time protecting the health and safety of shoppers.

"We know that the vast majority of people have been using common sense during the pandemic and we'd urge them to continue doing so if they plan to visit the market and wider town centre.

"We'd ask everyone to respect the measures in place and be patient and courteous with fellow shoppers."

The traditional South Shields Market usually operates on Mondays and Saturdays, 9am to 4pm. The Flea Market runs on Fridays, from 9am to 4pm.The Monday market will remain suspended at this time and will be considered in due course.

For further information about South Shields Market visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/market

Updates on the Council services affected by coronavirus, as well as advice and support, can be found at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/coronavirus