Totnes Market will continue to operate to sell essential goods only while still following strict Covid-safe Government guidelines.

South Hams District Council has made the decision following a careful review of the Government’s current lockdown restrictions and their own Covid-secure risk assessment for Totnes Market.

The market will be limited to essential goods only (food and garden supplies) and there will be a strict maximum of 14 stalls on each day. The conditions apply to markets held from Friday 8 January throughout the lockdown period and will be reviewed in line with guidance from the Government. It covers both the weekly Friday and Saturday markets, as well as the Totnes Food Market held on the third Sunday of each month.

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, commented: “We’re pleased to be able to keep the market operating during the current lockdown for those traders who wish to attend and are legally able to.

“We’re limiting the maximum number of stalls to ensure there is enough space for social distancing. Additional staff, including the Council’s Covid Officers, will also be on hand to help traders and the public to stay safe. We will keep the market under review on the days of operation and continue to review its safe running on a weekly basis.”

Kingsbridge and Ivybridge Markets will also be operating on a very limited basis for traders who sell essential goods. Kingsbridge Market days are Tuesday and Thursday and Ivybridge Market is held on Thursday.

For more information on South Hams’ markets, go to www.southhams.gov.uk/markets