Wigan's outdoor market will reopen on Monday

The outdoor market in Wigan town centre will be the first in the borough to reopen from June 1, but markets in Leigh and Ashton will have to wait for their return a little longer, as the council said that these sites do not currently allow for proper social distancing guidnace to be followed safely.

As a result the following steps will be taken:

- Wigan outdoor market will reopen to the public on Monday 1 June.

- Leigh outdoor market and Ashton-in-Makerfield market will not be opening to the public week commencing 1 June.

- These sites do not currently currently allow social distancing guidance to be maintained safely, traders will be informed of any updates. The situation will continue to be under review.

- Further updates about Wigan and Leigh indoor markets will be shared next week.

Council leader David Molyneux said: "Following the government announcement that outdoor markets may reopen from Monday, we have been working hard to see how we can deliver this in Wigan Borough safely for traders and customers, in line with social distancing measures.

"Throughout the pandemic, we have engaged with traders to discuss the measures that will be required to adhere to government guidance.

"The health, safety and wellbeing of all our traders and residents is of paramount importance to us and we will regularly monitor the outdoor market site to ensure national guidance is being followed.

"We continue to encourage residents to #BeKind by only leaving their home for essential items and exercise."

The move comes just days after the Grand Arcade shopping centre announced its plans to safely reopen more of its shops to customers.

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