Billingsgate traders’ safety fears

TRADERS at Billingsgate market in London said they had to close because there was a lack of coronavirus protection.

Eight out of 40 stalls at the fresh fish market decided to close on March 28, according to reports, with merchants saying customers refused to obey the two metre apart rule.

Steve Monaghan, who runs John Stockwell, told the Daily Mail: ‘Some people are closing because their suppliers are drying up but people like myself didn’t feel there was enough being done to reduce as much risk as possible for myself, my staff and the public.

‘I could trade but there wasn’t anyone implementing any of the government procedures. It’s poor, really, really poor.

‘It was worrying me more and more every night and in the end I took a decision we were safer at home.’

A spokesman for City of London Corporation, which runs the market, said: ‘The welfare of staff, traders and customers is the top priority when it comes to operating Billingsgate Market.

‘A number of steps have been introduced to ensure a safe environment is maintained.’