Coronavirus safety plan must be finalised for Leighton Buzzard Market before it can fully reopen

Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that outdoor markets will be allowed to reopen in England from June 1, the council says the full return of stalls to the High Street will not happen until a safe plan has been fully developed.

The council says it staff are working towards re-opening the street market in a "phased and safe way". It opened a food-only market two weeks ago using the Hockliffe Street (Library) car park, running 8am to 12noon. The location was identified as a safe, controllable environment to ensure social distancing. Central Bedfordshire Council agreed to support the move allowing free use of the location.

On May 21, Central Bedfordshire Council issued a Public Notice stating its intention to put a road closure in place for the High Street as a response to Covid-19 social distancing regulations. This is intended to enable safe access and use of the shops and market following the Government’s ease on restrictions allowing for more businesses to open.

It is anticipated that the road closure will be in place from June 10 , for 18 months.

A council spokesman said: "Many retailers will be planning how they will maintain social distancing rules inside their premises and their queuing customers outside. The same applies to the market areas on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

"The High Street is a shared space and planning for the market involves understanding that space, laying-out the market differently and managing how customers navigate the area safely.

"All parties will need to acknowledge that the social distancing activities they undertake need to ensure that their business neighbours and public are able to move around safely. A Covid-19 risk assessment and traders' own statements on how they will manage their stalls and social distancing, are being worked on and gathered."

Cllr Steve Jones, Leader of the Council, added: “Officers are working towards the goal of re-opening the market, yet we must do it within strict Covid-19 rules and guidance and with thought to the wider High Street businesses.

"For that reason, whilst it feels like a delay in opening the market, we are in fact ensuring its long-term future by taking the time to carefully plan now because once we open, we want to stay open.”

To ensure you are kept up to date for when the market opens, check the town council website and market social media regularly: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk or Facebook / Instagram: Leighton Buzzard Market / Twitter: @market_lb