MAKERS Market fans are being invited to support the Knutsford market, which returns to the town this weekend on the Heath.

The market was set to return on town centre car parks despite social distancing concerns from some town councillors.

However this Sunday’s market will now take place on the Heath after it was mooted by the town council as an option for staging the popular event.

Sunday’s market will run from 11am to 4pm, and will be a one-off on the Heath before a review of the effectiveness of the safety measures to see if it returns in September.

Vicky Crane from the Makers Market said the number of stalls at the market would be significantly reduced compared to normal to enable social distancing to be observed.

“The Heath is perfect for what we want because there is lots of space and we can really spread out,” she said.

“Performance has been cancelled because we don’t want people to dwell, and we have removed seating and street food.

“We have introduced a one-way system, will be using signs and asking people to observe two-metre distancing.

“Each stall will have a screen barrier between the customer and stallholder, and we will have hand sanitiser stations around the market.

“People are asked to bring their own bags, and stallholders are being asked to wear face masks or visors.”

Food will be pre-packaged and kept behind a screen, and people are asked to use contactless or card payment, although a cash payment system will be available.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be back in Knutsford again,” said Vicky.

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“The market is going to be safe, so please come along and support it and the town’s retailers.”

Town clerk Adam Keppel-Green said the market was being held on the Heath as a one-off event while the town council refined plans for it to take place on the two Princess Street car parks.

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He said: “We will be reviewing the effectiveness of the safety measures put in place to determine whether the event returns in September, so we ask that all visitors follow the one-way systems, respect others’ personal space, use the sanitiser stations and wear masks (if able) to help ensure the safety of fellow shoppers.

“We also encourage visitors to take time to walk around the rest of the town centre and support our fantastic local shops, cafes and restaurants.”