Saltburn Farmers' Market cancelled this weekend over coronavirus fears

A council has pulled the plug on a farmers’ market event amid fears visitors from outside the area could risk spreading coronavirus.
Saltburn Farmers' Market on November 14 was cancelled by the council due to coronavirus fearsSaltburn Farmers' Market on November 14 was cancelled by the council due to coronavirus fears
Saltburn Farmers' Market on November 14 was cancelled by the council due to coronavirus fears

Saltburn Farmers’ Market was due to take place on Saturday (November 14).

Under current national lockdown restrictions outdoor markets can remain open for the sale of essential goods such as food and groceries, including confectionery and ‘off-sales’ alcohol, but are required to meet covid-19 secure guidelines.

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However, Redcar and Cleveland Council said with the potential for the market attracting a large number of visitors – and travelling from outside the area – the difficult decision had been taken to close in the interests of public health.

Council leader Mary Lanigan said it was working with event organisers to confirm when the next market could take place.

A post on the Saltburn Farmers' Market Facebook page said it was “very disappointed” at the lateness of the council’s request.

It said: “We did ask the council to support safe, outdoor shopping by helping to steward the market and turn away any visitors from outside the area, but alas they could not offer this support.

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“Having engaged with the council all week we are very disappointed at the lateness of their request and feel for all those producers who are ready to come to market and the impact it will have on them.”

A later post said “fantastic food producers once again have been denied an opportunity to work in a safe and friendly manner”.

Coun Lanigan said: “This is a really difficult position where we need to balance supporting local businesses with the risks to residents and visitors to Saltburn. The farmers’ market can attract large numbers of visitors, many who travel from outside of the area.

“At a time of national lockdown travel to the area for a market wouldn’t be essential and would risk spreading the virus further. We really value the market and I know the organisers and stallholders will be disappointed.

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“They work tirelessly to pull together a fantastic market however I hope they can understand why we have had to make this difficult decision in the interests of public health.”

Coronavirus infection rates have increased rapidly in the borough over recent weeks.

In the seven days to November 8 – three days after the second national lockdown was imposed – 614 positive cases were recorded.

This was an increase of 234 – or 61% – on the previous week, the highest increase of any local authority area in the North-East and well above the national average.

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