Council bosses confirm when Wigan and Leigh's indoor market halls will open

There will be a phased reopening at the centres from Monday, June 15, with all traders returning from Saturday, July 4, subject to any further announcements by the Government.

The decision comes a week after Wigan’s outdoor market reopened to the public.

There will be social distancing markers, additional signage, hand sanitising facilities and extra security and staff to ensure customer flow and follow Government guidance.

Coun David Molyneux, leader of the council said: “Reopening our market halls is a positive step forward in the recovery of our local economy amid the coronavirus pandemic and we have been in contact with our traders over recent weeks to discuss how to do this together safely.

“Although all traders have welcomed the decision to reopen, some expressed that they needed more time to conduct risk assessments.

“Traders that would like to return as soon as possible can do so from June 15 and we will provide additional access to the halls to facilitate this.”

The council will support traders to undertake risk assessments to ensure their businesses operate safely and in line with Government guidance.

Once the assessments have been done, traders can return to the market halls between June 15 and July 4.

Traders will only be charged rent from the day they return to their stall, with usual rental agreements back in place from July 4.

Coun Molyneux said: “The health and well-being of our traders, market staff and members of the public has been at the heart of all the decisions we have made.

“We have worked with stallholders to ensure a reopening strategy that is suited to the needs of their businesses and after listening to their views, we have mutually agreed on a phased approach.

“Public safety remains our highest priority and we will closely monitor the halls and local businesses to ensure compliance with the necessary measures.”

From June 15, the market halls will operate during the usual opening hours of 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

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