Call to support local businesses during national lockdown

A VIBRANT group of independent traders have adapted their businesses to ensure they can continue to serve residents across Barrow during the nation’s second lockdown. Food sellers at Barrow…

A VIBRANT group of independent traders have adapted their businesses to ensure they can continue to serve residents across Barrow during the nation’s second lockdown.

Food sellers at Barrow Indoor Market are continuing to operate from the Meat Hall to ensure customers can buy fresh meat, fruit, vegetables and produce.

Meanwhile, a number of other stallholders are operating click and collect or delivery services on their products until they are allowed to reopen on site on December 2.

Councillor Ann Thomson, Barrow Borough Council leader, said: “The lockdown represents a tough time for residents and businesses across our borough, as it does elsewhere in the country.

“However, seeing the traders in Barrow Market adapt their businesses so quickly once again is excellent.

“The essential food traders are open for customers in The Meat Hall, while other stallholders are offering their products for sale in a safe and socially distanced way with some offering click and collect and others delivery options.

“In return, I would urge everyone to support our local businesses as much as they can and to take advantage of the new ways of shopping through click and collect or delivery.

“Every purchase we make is a boost to the economy of Barrow. Collectively, we have the power to make a difference.”

Essential shops can remain open to the public under the government restrictions which are expected to remain in force until December 2.

The rules state people should leave home to gather essential supplies, for education, work if working from home is not possible or exercise, either alone, with members of your household, or with one person from another household.

Barrow Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Cumbria. It is home to more than 55 independent businesses.

Essential food traders have relocated to The Meat Hall for the duration of lockdown and are open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 9am and 5pm.

Hand sanitisers are located at entrance and exit points and face masks must be worn inside the building unless exempt.

Other stallholders are trading online via social media pages, websites or over the telephone.

Cllr Thomson added: “We are lucky to have a thriving market in Barrow filled with traders who are showing resilience and adaptability while we have additional restrictions in place.

“Please do support them as much as you can by taking advantage of their new ways of working through these difficult weeks.”