Bury Market will reopen this month - the rules and measures in place for shoppers and traders

Bury Market is set to reopen to shoppers later this month.

The vast majority of the market's 300-plus indoor and outdoor stalls will open on Monday, 15 June, bosses say.

Most of the market's traders were forced to shut back in March when the UK went into lockdown.

Only a handful deemed essential were allowed to continue operating, leading to some expressing fears for the future of the popular market.

But as traders prepare to reopen, a host of measures are being put in place to maintain social distancing, including one-way systems, hand sanitisers and floor markings.

Paul Smedley at his fruit and veg stall, which is one of few that has been allowed to stay open in recent weeks (ABNM Photography)

There will also be a limited number of entrances and exit available to shoppers.

However, stalls such as cafes and hairdressers will remain closed in adherence to Government guidelines.

According to Bury Council, traders will be contacted individually on how they can operate within the guidelines, and encouraged to use cashless payment methods.

Some restrictions will be in place for the immediate future, including a limit of 65 shoppers at one time on the indoor market, while the public toilets will remain closed.

Councillor Jane Black, cabinet member for the cultural economy, said: “Bury Market is rightfully called the jewel in Bury’s crown, and reopening for business will play a vital role in the revival of the town centre and our local economy.”

“Many thanks to those traders who have remained open throughout this crisis to sell food and carry out home deliveries. All of us can’t wait to see the full market bustling again, giving shoppers that unique atmosphere and bargains that Bury Market is rightfully famous for.”

The Bury Black Pudding Company stall at Bury Market (Manchester Evening News)

Bury Market dates back to the 1440s, and has won numerous national awards including being chosen as Britain’s favourite market back in 2019.

The council recently agreed to spend £50,000 to develop a masterplan for the market which includes drawing up a business plan for a new indoor hall.

One popular idea is to follow the example of Altrincham, which created a new indoor food hall in 2014 with a selection of small independent traders.