Mendip District Council is to extend outdoor market opening times and reinstate its Saturday offer in Frome and Wells, following positive footfall figures and feedback from customers. 
The district council reports, “From tomorrow (Tuesday, 9th February), Mendip Markets will operate Monday to Friday, 9am-2pm in Glastonbury, Street, Shepton Mallet, Frome and Wells. “And from this Saturday (13th February), there will be a markets in Wells and Frome, 9am-2pm. Stalls will sell essential provisions such as food, cleaning products and pet supplies.
“The move will boost businesses and the wider economy and will be welcomed by stallholders and local residents.”
The council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, cllr Josh Burr, said, “We’ve been talking to traders and residents throughout the pandemic, and sought guidance from the National Federation of Market Traders (NFMT). We thank everyone for their insights, understanding and encouragement.
“Despite Covid and calls on the council for support with testing and vaccination programmes, we managed to keep the markets open Monday to Friday, in recent weeks, and offered free rents and free parking as incentives to support what we know to be a very valuable community resource.
“The reduction of Saturday slots in Wells and Frome was a temporary move, and we are delighted to see them quickly return once more.
“The continued success of the Covid vaccine roll-out has brought new confidence to our communities. People are clearly keen to get outdoors and support our much-loved markets across the district. We recognise that, and also the need to help our businesses and the local economy.
“The extended opening hours will begin across the district from tomorrow, with Saturday markets returning this weekend. Our experienced markets officers will be on-hand to ensure these events are legally compliant and safe, and to offer any reassurance that’s required.
“We wanted to bring the Saturday market back as quickly as possible. The offering may be lighter to allow traders to source stock, however we know they are chomping-at-the-bit to set up stall, and that our residents will return to them again, with great enthusiasm.”
Mendip Market opening times will remain under monthly review, and should Mendip’s Covid response be called upon again by Government and the NHS, the council will advise traders, city and town councils, and the public of any changes.
To stay up to date with market news please follow @mendip_markets on Twitter and @mendip.markets on Instagram or visit our website www.mendip.gov.uk/markets
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