is set to introduce dedicated shopping hours at Ashton Market Hall in a bid to support the more vulnerable residents of Tameside and Key workers.
As of Monday (23), access to the market will be prioritised between 8am and 10am, Monday to Saturday for those in high risk groups. This will help ensure they can purchase the food and essential items they need without coming into contact with other members of the public. Tuesday (24) will see a dedicated hour introduced for key workers between 4pm and 5pm.
Council leader Brenda Warrington said: “We are striving to keep the Market Hall open so that we can continue to supply essential items to our residents and support our local traders.
“We are currently experiencing large queues and numbers of people in the market and so in order to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff, traders and residents, I would encourage people to shop responsibly and follow the social distancing guidelines in place. We are working with our traders to ensure items are well stocked but we all need to work together to help ensure this important service can continue running and that those who need it most, aren’t left without.
“The introduction of the priority hours will allow those who are more at risk of becoming seriously ill as a result of contracting Covid-19 to keep a safe distance while they get the items they need locally. Our hardworking key workers will also benefit from a dedicated hour of trading to support keeping them safe and well so that they can continue to fulfil their crucial roles.
“The people of Tameside have once again stepped up to the mark and have been playing a part by looking out for vulnerable family members and neighbours and delivering essential items. Please keep up the good work while making sure you protect yourself and others by adhering to the social distancing advice.”
