Market manager Andy Reynolds says he hopes to reopen the markets in Blandford on April 15 unless there are any changes to the legislation, but there is a possibility that outdoor markets may be allowed to open earlier as they were after the previous lockdown.

In his report to the town council in March, he said the street market on Thursdays has only had the fishmonger since the start of the national lockdown, but Saturday’s market has continued to improve, and in the week of February 27 five pitches were expected.

“Enquiries continue to come in and reduced rates continue to be a great help in attracting new traders,” he said.

He said most of the traders for all the markets have said they intend to return after the current lockdown.
The café in the Corn Exchange will continue to comply with track and trace, with increased signage and a one-way system, together with encouragement of social distancing.

He said he had dealt with a few complaints or concerns from members of the public who had seen the Saturday market and asked for it to be closed.

“It was evident that those people were unaware of the rules in place – one person thinking we were holding a full market and ignoring the restrictions. We have been visited by covid marshalls and they raised no concerns.”

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