Outdoor markets in County Durham will reopen from next week, following the latest announcement from central Government.
In line with the announcement, which outlined that outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June, Durham County Council has confirmed that the county’s markets will reopen from the beginning of the month.
It is hoped that reopening the markets will positively benefit the county by getting people back to work while supporting the economy. This will be boosted further when other non-essential retail outlets begin reopening from 15 June.
To coincide with this, Durham Bus Station will also reopen to public on Monday 1 June and a large number of bus services across the county will begin returning to their normal timetables.
The outdoor markets will open as follows:
- Crook will be the first to reopen on Tuesday 2 June.
- Consett market will be open on Thursday 4 June, Friday 5 June and Saturday 6 June.
- Bishop Auckland market will be open on Thursday 4 June and Saturday 6 June.
- Chester-le-Street market will open on Friday 5 June and Saturday 6 June.
- Barnard Castle market will reopen on Wednesday 10 June.
- Seaham market will reopen on Friday 5 June.
- Spennymoor market will reopen on Saturday 6 June.
- Stanley market will be open on Thursday 4 and Saturday 6 June.
- The outdoor market in Durham City will recommence from Saturday 13 June.
Market operators have been advised on comprehensive risk assessments which have been put place and include coronavirus-linked risks such as social distancing to ensure the safe operation of the markets for both customers and traders.
The markets and retail spaces will be closely monitored by the council and any necessary changes or additions will be made in order to ensure safety guidelines are followed. Durham Bus Station, which has been closed since 30 March, will reopen on Monday and comes as operators in the region begin to increase the number of services. During the period of closure, bus services have been using existing and temporary stops on North Road.
The reopening of Durham Bus Station will aid social distancing for passengers and pedestrians who are currently using North Road while the number of services and passengers begin to increase. As many people are choosing to walk and cycle, the number of people using public transport is expected to remain low. However, the increase in bus numbers and the reopening of the bus station will allow those who need to use public transport to be able to maintain social distancing.
Passengers travelling to and from Durham Bus Station are reminded to follow social distancing guidance when at the station. Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The reopening of the county’s outdoor markets, and the reopening of other non-essential retail to closely follow, is a welcome return for our high streets that will positively impact the county’s economy while ensuring that people’s jobs are secure and they can begin returning to work.
“By reopening Durham Bus Station, we can also ensure that safe social distancing can be followed as the county’s bus services prepare to return to their normal timetables as much as possible. “However, the health and safety of the public while using the outdoor markets, bus services and retail areas is our highest priority, and we have arranged the introduction of appropriate measures which can assist with social distancing. “We are reminding residents to continue following social distancing and safety guidelines at all times to protect themselves, market traders, and other shoppers during this ongoing pandemic.” For more information about markets and individual opening times, please visit www.durham.gov.uk/markets For more information about Durham Bus Station and other returning services, please visit www.durham.gov.uk/busmap
