Opening date and guidelines for Wolverhampton markets confirmed

Wolverhampton Council has now confirmed which stalls will be open when the markets open back up in Bilston, Wednesfield and the city centre on Saturday.

Visitors to the markets will have to follow strict guidelines, council bosses said, with a guided one-way system leading shoppers from separate entrances and exits.

Different stalls will gradually be allowed to operate under a phased approach to fully reopening the markets.

During the first phase on Saturday, visitors will be able to buy meat, poultry, fish, cheese, cooked meats, frozen foods, bakery products, fruit and vegetables, pet supplies, confectionary and household goods including electrical, DIY, hardware and cleaning products.

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The second phase will see traders of takeaway food, mobile phone, vapes and key cutting/shoe repair return, with the third stage seeing the markets open fully.

The plans may change depending on feedback and the level of compliance to social distancing rules.

Extra security will also be in place to manage the number of people entering the markets.

The council announced the markets would be reopening earlier this week, with the city tips also expected to soon open back up.

Councillor Steve Evans, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for city environment, said: "We will have a phased and managed approach to get markets back up and running.

“We understand there will be concerns from residents but we are putting measures in place to ensure the safety of the public, staff and traders.

“Traders have been informed of the phased approach and we are working with them to ensure they also have the correct measures in place to operate safely."

Bilston indoor and outdoor market opening times are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 8.30am and 4pm.

Wolverhampton City Centre Market on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 7.30am and 4pm, and Wednesfield market on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 8am and 3.30pm.