THE SALISBURY Charter Market will be running this weekend selling food and essential items, the council has today announced.

Salisbury City Council has made the decision to open the market as a trial this Saturday in the Market Place, while adhering to social distancing measures.

The market was originally halted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and strict lockdown restrictions.

On its return, the market will be open for a shorter period than usual, from 8am until 3pm, to give residents the opportunity to pick up their essential food items from favourite stalls.

The council said the market will "feel different to the usual market as stalls will be re-arranged to allow social distancing, as public safety is paramount".

Salisbury City Council leader Jeremy Nettle welcomed the announcement, adding: “The charter market has run for over 750 years through thick and thin to provide a much needed service for local people.

"We feel that the time is right to trial a reopen given the latest Government guidance. Please do shop at the market this Saturday, support our local economy in its new format and welcome back our regular traders.”

Salisbury MP John Glen also showed support for the decision, adding it will be "a welcome first step back to normality for our resilient traders and their loyal customers".

He added: "Many will be pleased to see familiar faces and obtain essential items whilst continuing to observe the social distancing guidelines. I hope we will continue to see progress in the coming days and weeks as we continue to battle the Covid-19 challenge.”

Mayor of Salisbury John Walsh added: "I am absolutely delighted that the charter market is reopening on Saturday. 

"I have been concerned about the closure of this much appreciated facility to our citizens and the loss of earnings for our independent market traders. I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday."

Not all of the city councillors support the event going ahead however, with Councillor Jo Broom describing the news as "a smack in the face".

She said: "We [councillors] were asked for our opinion [about the market reopening] a couple of days ago, and now I've just read the announcement on Facebook.

"We are flouting the rules by doing this - encouraging people to gather in a confined space. 

"It's not that I don't support the traders, and they have given brilliant services through home deliveries and people have really risen to the challenge during this time.

"It is just completely irresponsible and unsafe."