Residents urged to shop local at Christmas

A community market is encouraging residents to shop local this Christmas as it reopens after being forced to close during the second national lockdown.

Washington Market Village was forced to close for the second time this year at the beginning of November in what was a big blow to traders, but is now encouraging residents to support local businesses in the lead up to Christmas.

The market, situated inside the Galleries Shopping Centre, is home to a variety of local businesses who missed out on key trade during the lockdown.

However, after reopening, the market is hopeful for a busy Christmas period.

A post on the groups Facebook page read: “We cant wait to see you all again and would like to thank you all (along with market staff and our essential traders who kept us open) for all your support during the last four weeks.

"There's never been a more important time to help your local, small independent traders.

"All our traders are ready for what we hope is going to be a very busy run-up to Christmas.”

It comes as the Echo runs its Support Local campaign, aimed at encouraging Wearsiders to support local shops and services.

The market offers a variety of shops with a number of services including salons, pet shops and cafes, which are open for takeaway.

When it reopened in the summer, Washington Market Village was aiming to be the beating heart of the community.

Washington Market Village is open Monday to Saturday ,9 am -5.30 pm, and Sunday, 10am-4pm.