Bolton Market’s outdoor areas and the indoor Lifestyle Hall will reopen to the public tomorrow with new measures to help people social distance.

The market’s food halls have remained open throughout lockdown, in line with government guidelines.

Now, similar social distancing strategies to those in the food halls will also be put in place elsewhere.

Market ambassadors will be at entrances and exits to manage queues of shoppers, and the number of people allowed to shop at one time will be limited to keep people safe.

The outdoor market layout has changed, communal seating has been removed from the Lifestyle Hall, and public toilets will remain closed.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough, environmental services cabinet member, said: “I am delighted that our outdoor and Lifestyle Hall traders will be reopening and wish them every success.

“The market will look different and I would ask people to remember to keep their distance – and be kind to each other.

“We will have a controlled system in place to minimise risk and keep shoppers and traders safe.”

It's up to traders to decide when they want to reopen, but several businesses are expected to reopen next week.

The market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Key workers can gain priority access between 8am to 10am.