THERE are ‘plans in place’ for Wilmslow Artisan Market to return if council chiefs give it the green light.

In his press conference on Monday night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that outdoor markets could reopen in England from June 1 if they can adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Wilmslow Artisan Market has been closed during the pandemic, but Mr Johnson’s announcement leaves the door open for a possible return next month.

Denise Valente is director at The Market Co, which runs artisan markets in Northwich, Wilmslow, Urmston, Haigh, Rochdale and Chesterfield.

She told the Guardian that Cheshire East Council will need to decide if Wilmslow Artisan Market is safe to return, before an announcement can be made.

“We have sought clarification from each local authority because they have got an input into how they interpret the Government guidelines,” said Denise.

“Until we have got their go-ahead we can’t say, but we do have plans in place. We are ready to get back if and when we have the approval.”

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Mr Johnson said outdoor markets could reopen on June 1 ‘subject to all premises being made Covid-secure’ during his press conference last night.

Car showrooms can also reopen on that date, while other non-essential shops have been given the go-ahead to reopen from June 15, with Mr Johnson hoping the retail sector can ‘bounce back’ in the coming weeks.

He said: “I’m certainly not going to discourage [the public] from spending at all.

“I think that it’s early days but we are very much hoping there will be a bounce back over the next few months.”

The Market Co launched Artisans Online for customers to support its regular traders during the pandemic.

See themarketco.co.uk