Chorley considering when it will be safe for outdoor market to return, as government restrictions are eased

The popular weekly event has been mothballed since movement restrictions were brought in to help stop the spread of coronavirus more than two months ago.

Under the latest phased lifting of lockdown restrictions in England, the outdoor market could, theoretically, be back in business from next week. But Chorley Council leader Alisatir Bradley told the Lancashire Post and Chorley Guardian that nothing has yet been decided.

“Essential food stalls on Chorley Market have continued to trade throughout the lockdown in line with government guidance.

“All of these have been serving to the outside of the Covered Market and with social distancing rules in place to keep people working on the stalls and the public safe.

“We have been doing lots of preparation for the reopening of our famous Tuesday market and given the announcement that outdoor markets can reopen, we will work with traders to come up with a layout and social distancing measures to allow them to trade safely.

“We will only restart the Tuesday market if we can do so safely as the safety of our traders, staff and shoppers is of utmost importance to us.

“We will keep people posted on plans for next week when we’ve made a decision as to what will happen," Cllr Bradley added.

The market - which runs along Fazakerley ​​Street, Chapel Street, New Market Street, Cleveland Street and the bottom half of High Street - can attract up to 150 stalls. It was traditionally held on the Flat Iron car park in the town until the summer of 2017, when it made way for the Market Walk extension.