Barnsley Market fully reopens as shoppers urged ‘be smart, stay apart’
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Shop safely messages have also gone up in preparation of a for a full reopening of the town’s iconic market from Wednesday, June 17.
Safety measures such as social distancing, tannoy reminders, separate entrances and exits, a keep left system, directional signage and managing capacity inside the market will all be in place. Cashless payments will also be encouraged, and where this isn’t possible, customers will be encouraged to have the correct change ready.
Hand santisers have also been placed inside the markets, including next to escalators, with foot pedal activated versions at the entrances in Cheapside and May Day Green.
Social distancing safety signs, including floor stickers, have also gone up in town centre and local high streets across the borough – including Penistone. Wombwell, Hoyland, Cudworth, Royston and Goldthorpe.
The above measures will be regularly reviewed as more retailers open and further government advice becomes available. Residents are asked to stay up-to-date on the latest government guidance and follow Barnsley Council’s social media platforms for regular updates. See links below.
While shoppers are encouraged to support local businesses and the local economy, they’re also advised to shop only if it’s essential and travel into the town centre by walking, cycling or using private transport due to restrictions in place on public transport.
For anyone travelling into the town centre through Barnsley Interchange, the interchange can only be accessed via the main entrance on Eldon Street. The Midland Street/Kendray Street entrance will be exit only. The interchange will also operate a one way system.
Staff will be at hand to help the public access the temporary bridge over Jumble Lane crossing.
The council is working with local businesses across the borough to help them reopen safely. Shoppers are asked to remember to follow the guidance individual businesses have in place to keep everyone safe, and to be patient and kind to staff.
Barnsley Market food stalls, including those selling meat and fish, fruit and veg and other essentials have been trading throughout the coronavirus pandemic, although non-essential retailers have been closed since the end of March.
Now, following the latest government guidelines, traders specialising in confectionary, flowers, furniture, phone accessories and are back to business.
Shoppers will be encouraged to visit alone and to adhere to social distancing throughout the market.
Market bosses are encouraging visits to be carried out as quickly as possible to allow other shoppers to come into the market and to shop and support the traders.
There will be limited access to public toilets and no seating in the market.
Initially, the market will operate on reduced opening hours of Wednesday to Saturday, 8.30am-3pm, this will be kept under review to balance safety and demand from shoppers.
Market Kitchen and close contact business – such as hairdressers and beauticians – won’t be open at this stage, until further details are announced from the government.
To help them through this difficult trading period, all indoor traders received a Small Business Rate Relief grant indoor from the government as part of the support for businesses announced by the chancellor in March.
All indoor traders have not been paying rents so far, and the rent break will be extended until 1 October – even if they resume trading on 17 June. All outdoor traders are also being supported by a grant from the council up to the equivalent of six months’ rent, which many have already received.
Barnsley Market traders, in a joint statement, said: “We’re massively grateful for the support of our customers. Even though most of us haven’t been able to trade during the pandemic because of government guidelines, we’ve had loads of messages of support, as have the essential food traders who've been able to continue trading.
“Some of us reopened in the outdoor market recently, and the rest of us can’t wait to join them.
“We appreciate every one of you and can’t wait to see you. The market might be a bit different when you come to see us again, but we’ve been working with the council to make sure it’s as safe as possible for you all.
“It's important that you all follow the safety measures in place, especially social distancing. Our outdoor traders have got their own measures in place, and indoor traders will have, too. You’ll see the messages on signage around our stalls.
“It may be strange at first, but we’ll be there to help. Thank you to those of you that have visited us outdoors since we opened back up; our indoor traders can’t wait to get back to serving you all either, and are looking forward to getting back to business on 17 June."
The traders added: “We’d like to thank the council for its support during this difficult time. We’ve been working together to make sure we can safely reopen and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received.
“We're getting through this pandemic by sticking together, and you, our fantastic customers, are a big reason why we'll come out of this stronger."
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