Aylesbury market traders praised for COVID response

Keeping the markets open in Aylesbury and Winslow has allowed residents access to nutritious food in a safe environment.

The team behind Aylesbury Market have thanked traders who have supported them both during periods of lockdown and times of reduced restrictions since March 2020.

They say, by staying open, traders offered an alternative to shopping in a closed environment and waiting in huge queues.

Back in March, when the pandemic started and the government put the nation into lockdown with guidance on what could and could not be done and who could or could not trade, Buckinghamshire Council chose to support those market traders selling essential products, to enable them to continue to earn a living at this most unusual time. Traders were apprehensive and concerned for the health of themselves and their families.

In Aylesbury and Winslow, following a health and safety assessment, a decision was taken to allow market trading for essential products.

To support these traders, Buckinghamshire Council took a number of initiatives, including allowing traders to trade for free from April to December. Stewards were also deployed at every market to help with socially distancing, and social media was increased to inform residents what products were available.

In addition, traders were supported to repurpose their products to sell essential products and monthly Zoom trader meetings were set up and regular updates about retail trends and grants was regularly distributed to them. Advice was provided on how to become COVID-safe, and traders were encouraged to allow visitors to pay by card.

As restrictions were lifted across the summer, street entertainment was introduced on to the market on a regular basis. Foodie Friday Live took place in August where traders could showcase themselves to the public, with hints and tips and how best to enjoy their product range. Colouring competitions, quizzes and book swaps were all introduced.

Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Town Centre Regeneration, commented:

"Each week has seen new challenges, including the placement of stalls, social distancing measures and resources to steward the market. However, both the traders and the markets team have done a fantastic job in managing to keep overcoming these challenges. As a result, the markets have been seen both existing and new customers visiting and shopping.

"Personally, it's been incredibly rewarding to see our self-employed traders maintain the ability to earn a living, as well as knowing that we are providing the public a safe, outdoors environment to shop for essential items."

More information about products available on the markets and market days can be found at the dedicated Facebook site: www.facebook.com/Aylesburymarkettraders