BRIGG MARKET AND THE LATEST LOCKDOWN

 

After posting our main piece early yesterday morning about the latest lockdown, Brigg Blog went on to to question North Lincolnshire Council about the town's Thursday, Saturday and monthly farmers' markets... and other services in the town which had been suspended during the initial Coronavirus lockdown period in spring 2020.
A spokesman for the authority has now told us: "The outdoor markets will continue to operate for essential goods. Public conveniences will remain open."
That's very welcome news! So the market is ON tomorrow (Thursday, January 7) for those traders wishing to occupy their stalls.
Brigg Blog is now seeking clarification about the next farmers' market due to be held on Saturday, January 23. We are checking with the council because of what happened during the initial 'hard' lockdown.
Towards the end of March last year we reported under the heading Limited Brigg Market Goes Ahead After All: "There was a Brigg market of sorts after all on Saturday (March 28) with stalls spaced apart. North Lincolnshire Council, which manages the general markets and the monthly farmers' market at the end of each month, announced on Friday afternoon - at the eleventh hour - that Brigg and Ashby markets had been suspended with immediate effect. So many people were surprised to see evidence of a reduced market taking place on Saturday.
"North Lincolnshire Council's stalls had NOT been erected, and all but one of the handful of traders present appeared to have made their own arrangements when it came to cover. The other stand was operating al fresco.
The following week, we suggested Brigg Market had moved indoors for the first time since its establishment in the 13th century, saying no stalls were present on Thursday, April 2 "following North Lincolnshire Council's decision to suspend all Brigg markets until further notice during the Coronavirus emergency."
However, the fruit & veg stall sited near the Buttercross used the nearby Molly's Flowers shop to sell fresh produce to the public. 'Socially distanced' customers waited outside the shop before being served with their greens.
In mid-April last year we noted: "North Lincolnshire Council has suspended all monthly farmers' markets until further notice."
The general market resumed on Thursday, June 2 - having been suspended for some weeks.
"North Lincolnshire Council Leader, Coun Rob Waltham, kindly rang Brigg Blog to confirm this positive move after details had been finalised," we reported.
More space was created with stalls repositioned to provide customers with extra room when queuing.
Following an enforced break, Brigg Farmers' Market resumed on Saturday, June 27.
Brigg's public conveniences remained closed for some time during the initial 'hard' lockdown last year, but the council is keeping them open this time. And that is a welcome relief for many shoppers.

PICTURED: Traders' own stalls forming Brigg market last spring, and the fruit & veg stall-holder's temporary shop premises serving customers.