Neath’s iconic town centre market has reopened to the public with social distancing and other public health measures in place.
To take into account extra cleaning and sanitation arrangements, the popular market will open six days a week (Monday-Saturday) but will only open its doors from 9am to 3pm.
And only 40 customers will be allowed in the market at one time.
Staff will be on hand to “count in and count out” customers so no more than 40 are inside at any one time to help maintain social distancing inside.
Housed in a building dating from 1837 and renovated in 1904, the indoor market has a wide range of stalls ranging from fashion shops to meat counters.
During lockdown, several stalls (including a butcher, greengrocer and florist) continued to serve the community by adapting their businesses to a “deliveries only” model.
The market is reopening following the Welsh Government’s go ahead for non-essential retailers to reopen from Monday, June 22nd. Neath Port Talbot Council has worked hard with a range of partners to ensure shopping in its town centres is as safe and enjoyable as possible for both workers and consumers.
Cllr Annette Wingrave, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainable Development said:
“While it will not be business as usual, with measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of staff and shoppers, the reopening of Neath Market is a vital step.
“This council is determined to support local businesses to welcome back shoppers by minimising any potential disruptions and by ensuring shopping is both safe and enjoyable.
“Neath’s traditional market has always been an added attraction for shoppers and to see it coming back as coronavirus restrictions are slowly lifted will give a big lift to the business community in Neath – and shoppers will be happy to see it back as well!”
