New location proved a success

Shoppers turned up to support local producers as Chichester Farmers’ Market set up its stalls for the first time on Friday since before the coronavirus outbreak. Chichester District Council hailed the return of the market as a ‘resounding success’, after its reopening at Cattle Market car park. The market is usually run in the city centre pedestrian area. The temporary move was made to ‘reduce overcrowding’ in the city centre and to ‘allow for social distancing measures’ to take place. Many of the stallholders, who sell produce from ‘within a 50 mile radius of Chichester’, sold out by the end of the day, the district council said. Cllr Alan Sutton, cabinet member for housing, communications, licensing and events, said: “Social distancing measures were rigidly followed, ensuring the safety of all customers, stallholders and staff. The markets will be taking place on the first and third Friday of each month, and the next market will be Friday, June 19, from 9am until 2pm.”

The district council said preparations were also being made for the return of the Wednesday and Saturday markets, which are run by Bray Associates. The Wednesday market, which is usually held in the city centre, will temporarily operate from Cattle Market car park. The first was held yesterday (June 10). The Saturday market already operates from Cattle Market car park, with the next planned for Saturday (June 13).