Birkenhead Market, which has remained open for food retailer throughout the pandemic, is preparing for the reopening of non-essential retail next week. Tony McDonough reports

Birkenhead Market says its non-essential retailers will be returning from Monday, April 12.

Stallholders selling fresh fruit, veg, bread, fish and meat have remained open at the market during all three COVID-19 lockdowns but non-essential retail and personal care, including hair and beauty, has had to remain closed.

During the pandemic the traders have also been making hundreds of home deliveries each day. The Government has now given the go-ahead for non-essential retail to reopen from April 12 with cases fallings and the vaccine rollout containing apace.

Risk assessments have been completed to address all areas of the market including ensuring the correct PPE is used, increased cleaning, changes to the market layout, and security. Indoor seating will have to remain closed for the time being.

Social distancing measures will be in place throughout the market for the safety of traders and their customers. The public toilets will also reopen in accordance with Government guidance. The market will be open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. 

Work on the demolition of nearby Milton Pavements has continued as part of the wider regeneration of the town centre which will include a new market building. A potential temporary location has also been identified at St Werburghs Square while its new home is built and work continues on this.

A major online consultation on the future of Birkenhead is also under way. Click here to take part. The consultation is for eight weeks and will end on May 19.