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No chance that markets can re-open, council leader says

Food traders on Wolverhampton markets will not be allowed to re-open during the coronavirus crisis, the city council leader has said.

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Councillor Ian Brookfield said the authority had made the decision to close all public markets on Monday following advice from the city's director of public health.

He says it came after issues with "disruption and crowding" at some markets last weekend, and followed strict Government rules on social distancing

Wolverhampton Market, Bilston Indoor and Outdoor Market, Wednesfield Market and Wolverhampton Farmers’ Market have all temporarily closed, with traders being urged to run delivery services after taking online orders.

Traders who sell food have argued they should be allowed to stay open as they are providing essential items.

Councillor Brookfield said: "After taking advice from the director of public health we decided to close the markets, and there is no chance that the food sections can be re-opened.

"We did have issues last weekend with some disruption and crowding.

"What we are saying to food traders is that we are working with them so they can continue to use the facilities at the markets.

"Obviously some of them have got food, fridges and freezes on site. We won't be charging any rent and we are more than happy to help them set up a food distribution point, which effectively means they will go online and take telephone orders and do deliveries.

"I understand some of them are already doing that."

Other markets across the region have stayed open, including Dudley Market, which has stalls open for essential food items. Sandwell Council is also allowing the sale of food on its markets.

Wolverhampton Wholesale Market, which many stall holders use to stock up, has remained open.

Markets in Walsall, Willenhall and Bloxwich are all closed.

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