Chorley's outdoor market back in business this week - this is how it will work

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.

But last week it was announced that open-air markets would be amongst the first non-essential retailers allowed to reopen.

The Post understands that Chorley Council will be restarting its outdoor market on a trial basis and will monitor how it operates in the new socially-distanced world over the coming weeks.

At busy times, one-way circulation may be introduced in the pedestrian zone and the authority is warning that it is the responsibility of traders and customers to abide by general social distancing rules and follow any specific instructions provided.

Further measures may be implemented if they are deemed necessary.

Speaking before the final decision to reopen was taken, Chorley Council leader Alistair Bradley said that any move to welcome stallholders and shoppers back to the streets of the town centre would be carefully thought through.

“We have been doing lots of preparation for the reopening of our famous Tuesday market and …will work with traders to come up with a layout and social distancing measures to allow them to trade safely.

“The safety of our traders, staff and shoppers is of utmost importance to us,” 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 shopping precinct extension.