Pitch fees waived as Leighton Buzzard Market returns to the High Street tomorrow

Previously, a food-only market had been operating in the Hockliffe Street car park with the town council as market operator waiving pitch fees.

The move to the High Street will see the council’s continued support to the traders as pitch fees will remain free for further four weeks for both Saturday and Tuesday markets within this period. The decision will then be reviewed at the end of the four weeks.

All permanent traders have been invited to return to the market, yet the council points out some may choose not to at this stage and re-join later.

Following a decision from Central Bedfordshire Council to temporarily pedestrianise Leighton Buzzard High Street, the town council has been preparing plans for traders to return.

There will be Covid-19 protocols in place to ensure safe delivery of the market to the public, traders and council staff. The market will be laid out so most traders will be situated on the road facing inwards – paths and parking bays will remain clear to ensure safe social distancing.

A spokesman said: "Our advice remains the same. If you intend to visit the market, please ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before leaving home and as soon as you return home.

"You must also adhere to the two metre social distancing ruling – there will be provisions in place to support this. Do not visit the market if you or someone you live with has a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or has lost/changed sense of smell or taste."