Everything you need to know about the first South Shields market following lockdown

South Tyneside Council chiefs have confirmed that South Shields’ outdoor market will reopen from Friday following the easing of lockdown restrictions on April 12.

The popular flea market will run on Fridays and the traditional market will be held on Saturdays, with the first Saturday market set to take place the following day, on April 17.

As seen previously during the Covid pandemic, safety measures will be in place, with visitors asked to follow a one-way system.

Security stewards will be on hand to ensure visitors can browse safely and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

John Scott, head of economic growth at South Tyneside Council, said: “We know that this next stage of the roadmap has been long awaited and we want to ensure the borough is both safe and inviting as businesses begin to open their doors again.

“It’s important that we do all we can to help kickstart the local economy so we’re supporting businesses to operate safely and customers so that they can shop or visit premises with confidence.

“High streets may look a little different, so we’d ask people to look out for signage, outdoor queuing points and other measures which are in place to protect people.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the return of the South Shields market:

What time will it be on?

The flea market will be held on Fridays from 9.30am to 3pm.

The traditional market will be held on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.

What safety measures will be in place?

The layout of the market has been changed meaning that stalls will now be arranged in rows on the south side of the Market Square, in the space in front of The Word.

No market stalls will be in the space between King Street and the Ferry terminal, creating a clear route for pedestrians crossing the Market Place.

Barriers will be in place to keep the market area enclosed, with separate entrance and exit points.

A one way system will be in operation and markings will be on the ground to help shoppers stay apart.

Stewards will be on hand to advise and help visitors follow the new guidance.

There will also be ‘trader only’ areas.

Will hand sanitiser be available?

Yes, the council has confirmed that hand sanitiser stations will be in place at the market.

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