Sheffield Council defends Traxx Christmas Market after worried nurse ‘begs it to close’

A Sheffield City councillor has defended the opening of Christmas market in Chapeltown after a nurse raised fears over coronavirus spread.
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Retired nurse Rachel Warner appealed to the organisers to close 30-stall Traxx Christmas Market, which will operate for the next two Saturdays, after thousands attended on Saturday (December 5). She said she feared that it would lead to the spread of COVID-19.

However organisers said that the event was COVID secure and that it was well-received by the majority of local people.

Chapeltown Market Place, where an outdoor Christmas market was held on Saturday, December 5Chapeltown Market Place, where an outdoor Christmas market was held on Saturday, December 5
Chapeltown Market Place, where an outdoor Christmas market was held on Saturday, December 5
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Now Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, has said the market is allowed to continue.

Cllr Lea said: “We took the decision not to hold any Christmas markets on Council land this year, however outdoor markets on private land are allowed under Tier 3 restrictions, as long as they have obtained a valid market licence from us, and meet all the necessary Covid-secure measures.

“Chapeltown Market takes place on private land and has a licence, so they can operate under the current Government legislation, provided that adequate measures are in place.

“We are working with businesses across Sheffield to make sure they trade within the guidelines and supporting them to put the correct measures in place. We will work with the market organisers to review arrangements on site and ensure they are fully compliant with the legislation, keeping the safety of market visitors and staff a priority.”

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Christmas markets up and down the country have been called off due to COVID fears, including those in Sheffield city centre.

However Traxx has insisted that the event is safe.

The company said: “Since opening Traxx Market in Chapeltown in June 2020 we have ensured that we are Covid secure and have been informed that our measures are more than sufficient.

“We are a community run not for profit organisation who are providing a much needed outlet for small local businesses to sell their products during what has been an extremely challenging year. We are all volunteers who give up our time to provide a community market for all the community to enjoy.

“The feedback we have received from stallholders and visitors has been extremely positive and we are very proud of what we have achieved.”