Markets across Wolverhampton to reopen this weekend

Stallholders in Bilston, Wednesfield and in the city centre were forced to close up shop on March 24 due to the pandemic.

But those who are selling fresh food produce are expected to be allowed to open for business from Saturday with restrictions and social distancing measures in place.

Meanwhile Wolverhampton Council's tips are also set to reopen over the next few weeks as chiefs look to gradually return services to normal.

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Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment, said: "The council has been working hard to draw up plans to reopen these important public services, safely and effectively.

"Logistically, we’ve had to consider how they can operate whilst adhering to strict social distancing rules and traffic management.

"At the height of the crisis, it was important we closed these services in line with government guidance until the national and local conditions were right to consider reopening.

"We have developed plans which put social distancing at the heart of our safety approach, ensuring we protect residents and employees.

"This will mean a very different experience for visitors."

Confirmed reopening dates for tips and markets are expected to be announced over the coming days.

Councillor Evans thanked those in the city for following Government rules and said they were keen to get opening hours back to normal.

He added: "We ask the public to be patient and bear with us and to please observe social distancing rules to help us to keep you and others safe.

"We are keen to get opening hours back to normal, but protecting public health and life, including staff who work at our sites, has to be our number one priority.

"I would like to thank market traders and the public for their patience and understanding during this difficult period. We will do our upmost to continue to support traders to get their businesses back to normal as best as we can.

"Finally, I’d like to thank officers who have been working on the plans to help get our services up and running as quickly as possible."