Penrith’s Tuesday outdoor market is set to continue operating during lockdown, it has been confirmed.
The market, run by Eden Council, has been resurrected in Great Dockray and the district authority has been praised for giving traders the opportunity to have four rent-free weeks as part of a bid to increase the number of stalls.
However, after Allerdale Borough Council had announced it was cancelling this week’s markets at Keswick, which usually take place on a Thursday and a Saturday, fears were raised that Penrith’s Tuesday market could follow suit.
Ian Wood, who, along with Tracy Dinsdale, runs a fruit and veg stall, said: “I can only speak for our stall, but why can’t we be on? It’s in the open air, it’s food.
“We are not enclosed, you are not crowded in.
“Why should the national supermarkets be allowed to make all the money? We are the ones that need the money, not them.”
An Eden District Council spokesman said: “After reviewing government guidance, Eden District Council will be liaising with traders to continue the weekly Penrith market.
“Traders that are selling essential goods, such as food, will be allowed and encouraged to continue trading in the safe, outdoor environment.
“We hope that members of the public will continue to support our market traders in these testing times for everyone.”
